Varanasi: Taking swift action in response to a case of alleged fraud under Ayushman Bharat scheme, UP Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna, who is also the in-charge minister for Varanasi district, on Saturday ordered the immediate closure of an unregistered hospital and the lodging of an FIR against its operator.
The minister was in the city to lead International Yoga Day events on Saturday, when he reached the Prime Minister’s parliamentary constituency office in Jawahar Nagar for a public hearing.
The action came after Surendra Banwasi, a local resident, filed a complaint during the public hearing. He alleged that Asha Hospital, located in Nayepur area under Baragaon police station limits, had claimed reimbursement for his father’s treatment under the Ayushman Bharat scheme while also charging him money for the same services. The hospital later refunded the amount taken from Banwasi.
Responding immediately, the minister directed the Chief Medical Officer and local authorities to probe the matter and take decisive action.
CMO Dr Sandeep Choudhary said that a medical officer, Dr Sher Muhammad, was appointed to investigate. Upon verification, it was found that the hospital was functioning without valid registration.Following this revelation, Dr Muhammad, accompanied by the Baragaon police, reached the hospital and ensured its closure with immediate effect.
“The in-charge minister took the complaint seriously and instructed for strict action without delay. The hospital was found unregistered and action was taken on the same day,” said Dr Choudhary.
