Dialysis centre faces closure over Ayushman Bharat lapses

Dehradun: A major dialysis centre operating under the Ayushman Bharat scheme at Arihant Hospital faces suspension following a surprise state inspection that uncovered severe lapses in patient care, unqualified staffing and poor infection control.A high-level State Health Authority (SHA) team, led by director of claims Dr Saroj Naithani, conducted surprise raids across five empanelled hospitals -- Arihant Hospital, Hans Dialysis Centre, Baluni Hospital, Rahi Netralaya and Ojaswi Hospital. The inspections revealed systemic irregularities ranging from illegal patient charging to suspicious ICU admissions.At Arihant Hospital, the six-bed unit operated in a cramped, poorly lit room with no full-time doctor on standby. “Technicians with inadequate training were running the centre. A nurse did not even know how to properly clean the dialysis machine after use,” Naithani told TOI. The hospital has been given a seven-day show-cause notice, but officials state suspension is highly probable.At Ojaswi Hospital, the inspection team questioned two ICU admissions within the nearly empty 40-bed facility. “Those patients did not require ICU care. Because ICU packages attract higher govt reimbursements, these cases will be strictly analysed for fraud,” Naithani added. The hospital also lacked a resident medical officer.At Baluni Hospital, though medical services were found satisfactory, inspectors discovered an Ayushman Bharat beneficiary was illegally charged over ₹17,000 for medicines that should have been free. A formal departmental inquiry has been launched.Hans Dialysis Centre & Rahi Netralaya failed to display mandatory signage informing the public that free treatment was available under Ayushman Bharat scheme.The SHA confirmed that refunds will be forced and heavy penalties levied wherever unauthorised patient payments are verified. Officials warned that empanelled hospitals violating patient rights or gaming the scheme for higher payouts will face strict penalties, suspension, or permanent delisting.