Government launches disciplinary proceedings against cardiologist after audit questions 27 of 55 reviewed cases and flags alleged PMJAY-SEHAT irregularities.
The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department has initiated disciplinary proceedings against a senior cardiologist at GMC Anantnag after an anti-fraud investigation raised serious concerns about cardiac procedures performed under the Ayushman Bharat PMJAY-SEHAT scheme. The probe alleges medical, administrative, and financial irregularities linked to more than 100 cardiac cases and could result in major disciplinary action if charges are established.
Audit Questions Nearly Half of Reviewed Cases
The controversy emerged after the State Health Agency noticed a sharp rise in Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) procedures at GMC Anantnag. The agency referred the matter to cardiac specialists at SKIMS Soura for an independent medical review.
According to the audit findings, experts examined 55 LBBAP cases and found that 27 patients, representing 49 percent of the reviewed cases, had normal left ventricular function. The audit reportedly concluded that these patients did not meet the clinical criteria generally required for the procedure.
Based on these findings, the State Health Agency rejected claims related to the questioned cases.
Government Issues Formal Charge Notice
The Health and Medical Education Department has served a formal charge notice to Dr. Syed Maqbool, Cardiologist at GMC Anantnag. The notice reportedly requires a written defence within seven days.
Officials stated that failure to respond could lead to ex-parte proceedings under the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services Rules. The department has proposed major disciplinary action depending on the outcome of the inquiry.
- 19 June 2026: Investigation details reported publicly.
- 7 Days: Time granted for submission of written defence.
Alleged Mismatch Between Claimed and Performed Procedures
Investigators allege that 103 cases were claimed on the Transaction Management System under the Dual Chamber Pacemaker Implantation package. However, physical records reportedly indicated that Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing procedures had been performed.
The charge sheet alleges that the difference between the recorded procedure and the claimed package resulted in incorrect reimbursement claims under the PMJAY-SEHAT scheme.
- Claimed Package: Dual Chamber Pacemaker Implantation.
- Procedure Recorded in Files: Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP).
Patient Payment Allegations Under Investigation
The inquiry also focuses on allegations that some beneficiaries were asked to make payments despite PMJAY-SEHAT treatment being designed as a cashless service within government hospitals.
Investigators highlighted one case in which a patient allegedly paid ₹70,000 to a private company. The anti-fraud unit reportedly verified the transaction during a beneficiary audit and field visit.
These allegations remain part of the ongoing inquiry and will be examined during the disciplinary process.
Questions Raised Over Procurement Process
The investigation further alleges that approved procurement procedures were bypassed. Officials claim that required approvals from PMJAY authorities and hospital officers were missing in several cases reviewed during the audit.
Investigators also reported discrepancies involving medical device records and procurement documentation. These findings form part of the evidence proposed for examination during departmental proceedings.
The government has not yet reached a final conclusion. The current action is based on formal charges and audit findings. The cardiologist has been given an opportunity to submit a written defence before any final disciplinary decision is taken.
Government Plans to Present Multiple Forms of Evidence
The Health and Medical Education Department has reportedly compiled digital records, operation theatre notes, cath lab registers, invoices, audit reports, and witness testimony as part of the case.
Officials indicated that medical experts, hospital administrators, investigators, and beneficiaries may be called upon during the proceedings.
- 55 LBBAP cases reviewed by experts.
- 27 cases reportedly lacked medical justification according to the audit.
- 103 cardiac procedure claims examined by investigators.
- Government initiates disciplinary proceedings.
- Seven-day period granted for written defence.
- PMJAY-SEHAT claim records and procurement practices under scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The investigation began after authorities noticed an unusual increase in LBBAP procedures and received complaints related to PMJAY-SEHAT claims.
Experts reviewed 55 LBBAP cases as part of the audit process.
The audit reported that 27 of the reviewed patients had normal heart function and did not meet the stated criteria for the procedure.
No. The matter is under disciplinary proceedings and the doctor has been given an opportunity to present a defence.
Depending on the outcome of the inquiry, authorities may impose disciplinary penalties permitted under service rules.
What Happens Next
The case now moves into the disciplinary stage. Authorities will examine the evidence, hear responses from the concerned parties, and determine whether the allegations are substantiated. Until the process concludes, the findings remain allegations under official investigation and not final proof of wrongdoing.
