Ayushman Bharat Scam Mastermind Arrested in Chandigarh

Chandigarh : In a significant breakthrough, the mastermind behind the Ayushman Bharat scam has been arrested in Chandigarh. This arrest comes after a detailed investigation into a widespread fraud network operating across Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. The scam involved the illegal sale of medicines at private chemist shops, which were allegedly part of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. The scheme, aimed at providing affordable healthcare to economically weaker sections, has been misused by a well-organized network of individuals.

The arrested individual, who was the central figure in the scam, had managed to create a vast network that spanned across three states. Through this network, fraudulent claims were made under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, leading to significant financial losses. The scam included the illegal sale of medicines, which were sold under the guise of Ayushman Bharat prescriptions at private chemist shops. The drugs sold were either substandard or expired, further endangering the health of unsuspecting beneficiaries.

Officials from the Chandigarh police, in collaboration with health authorities, have confirmed that several private chemist shops were involved in selling these medicines. The scam’s impact was felt particularly in rural and underprivileged areas where the Ayushman Bharat scheme was supposed to provide much-needed relief. The fraudulent activities not only led to financial losses but also put the health of thousands of people at risk, as they were receiving counterfeit or inappropriate medicines.

The authorities have vowed to take strict action against all those involved in the scam. Investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected as the network of fraudsters is uncovered. This case has raised serious concerns about the safety and integrity of government health schemes, prompting calls for greater scrutiny and monitoring of private healthcare providers under such schemes.

The arrest of the mastermind is a significant step toward dismantling the fraudulent network, but experts believe that further measures are necessary to ensure that such scams do not recur. It also underscores the need for better oversight and regulation of health schemes, especially those involving large-scale government funding.