In Gujarat, 21 hospitals have been suspended from the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) due to serious violations. This decision comes after a major scam involving Khyati Hospital, which raised concerns about the integrity of healthcare providers under the scheme.
The suspensions occurred between April and June 2025. In April, five hospitals were suspended, followed by four more in June. Reports indicate that these hospitals committed various violations. Some admitted patients referred from other hospitals, while others manipulated lab reports to claim inflated charges. Alarmingly, some hospitals exhibited unusually high mortality rates. Notably, neonatal care facilities were found using expensive treatment packages unnecessarily.
Many of these hospitals also lacked essential infrastructure. They did not have fire safety NOCs, CCTV in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), or hygienic operation theatres. A few were operating on unapproved floors without the necessary permissions. Due to the severity of these violations, some hospitals have been blacklisted for up to three years.
The list of suspended hospitals includes:
– Christ Hospital and Gokul Hospital, Rajkot
– KP Sanghvi Hospital, Surat
– Aastha Hospital, Patan
– Dev Hospital, Chhota Udepur
– Ahmedabad Institute of Medical Services and Shaligram Multi-Speciality Hospital, Ahmedabad
– Rotary Medical and Research Centre, Gandhinagar
– Siddhi Vinayak Hospital, Tapi
In addition to the hospitals, the health department has suspended 11 doctors for their involvement in unethical practices. Many hospitals have also ignored PMJAY guidelines. They failed to display treatment information boards for patients and neglected to register under the Clinical Establishments Act, which is mandatory.
The Khyati Hospital scandal involved the deaths of two patients. Allegations suggested that unnecessary surgeries were performed to earn money from PMJAY. Investigations revealed that several patients had been registered at multiple hospitals, indicating that treatments were merely on paper.
In response to the Khyati Hospital case, the Gujarat government has taken significant action. The authorities have blacklisted the hospital permanently, and an FIR has been filed against its management and the doctors involved. The medical inquiry continues, with officials noting that private hospitals must not conduct health camps under PMJAY without prior permission.
The Gujarat government has faced criticism for the number of hospitals suspended under PMJAY. In a recent assembly session, officials confirmed that 55 hospitals have been blacklisted or suspended for non-compliance since 2023. Despite this, 19 hospitals have since regained approval to restart operations after addressing their violations.
The ongoing scrutiny of healthcare providers is part of a broader effort to enhance accountability in the health sector. The government has been reviewing underperforming officials in the Health and Family Welfare Department. This has resulted in compulsory retirements of several officers for inefficiency.
Officials stress the importance of adhering to PMJAY guidelines. The scheme aims to provide quality healthcare to the underprivileged in Gujarat. However, the ongoing issues highlight the challenges in ensuring compliance among private hospitals.
As investigations continue, the Gujarat government is under pressure to restore public trust in the healthcare system. Many are calling for stricter regulations and monitoring to prevent such violations in the future. The health department has assured the public that it will take all necessary steps to ensure that healthcare services remain accessible and ethical for all citizens.