PGI Sacks Five Employees Over Ayushman Bharat Scam; CBI to Probe Fraud
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, July 7, 2025: In a major action following revelations of a scam under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has terminated five of its employees and handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The fraud reportedly took place between 2017 and 2022, during which fake patient names were allegedly used to avail benefits under the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The manipulation of records and misuse of scheme benefits raised serious concerns about systemic malpractice.
PGI Director stated firmly that those found guilty will face strict consequences. “Whoever has committed wrongdoing will now be taught a lesson by the CBI,” he said, adding that the matter will be thoroughly investigated to uncover the full extent of the fraud.
To prevent such irregularities in the future, PGI has now shifted the entire Ayushman Bharat process to an online system, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability. The CBI investigation is expected to reveal how the operation was run and who all were involved.