The ED is conducting searches at multiple locations in Ranchi that sources said were connected to alleged irregularities in the implementation of Ayushman Bharat schemes.
According to sources, searches are taking place in 21 locations across the state, including Ranchi localities such as Lalpur, Morhabadi, PP Compound, Ashok Nagar, and Chiraundi.
These are the first searches in connection with the case in Ranchi this year. Searches have also been conducted in other states, including Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Delhi.
The alleged fraud involves claiming payment for Ayushman Bharat schemes without actually providing services. Several hospitals, insurance companies and pharmaceutical firms are under investigation.
Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) is a central government scheme launched in September 2018 in Ranchi by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Under the scheme, hospitals give free treatment to the poor and other beneficiaries. Registered hospitals receive funds through this scheme to cover the treatment costs.
After the ED identified irregularities involving hospitals and insurance companies, it formed teams and assigned them to various locations across the state, sources said.
The ED had sought information from the Health Department and the Jharkhand State Health Society about the action taken against those involved in the irregularities in the scheme. In response, the Health Department had sent information to the ED about the FIRs lodged against some hospitals in connection with irregularities, sources said.
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