Reported by Avik Chakraborty
Dibrugarh: Allegations of irregularities in the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme have surfaced at Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), with claims that a patient was initially denied surgery under the government health insurance programme and was asked to procure medicines from outside sources.
The allegations came to light after local BJP leader Ujjal Kashyap raised the issue in a social media post. According to the allegations, the patient’s guardian was informed by a surgeon that the operation would not be conducted using medicines obtained under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and was instead handed a list of operation theatre medicines to arrange privately.
The matter reportedly reached higher authorities, following which the family was informed that medicines could be obtained under the Ayushman scheme and the surgery was subsequently performed on June 12.
Fresh allegations have since emerged that the patient did not receive any post-operative visit from the concerned doctor between June 12 and June 17. Family members alleged that while doctors regularly visited other patients in the ward, the patient was attended only by nursing staff.
According to the allegations, the doctor later called the patient’s guardian to his chamber and advised the family to take the patient home and contact the Ayushman office regarding the issue. The reasons behind the advice remain unclear.
The allegations have raised concerns over the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme at the state’s premier medical institution and whether eligible beneficiaries are being denied access to treatment and medicines under the programme.
A purported telephonic conversation related to the incident has also surfaced on social media. However, the authenticity of the recording could not be independently verified by this journalist.
In his social media post, Kashyap demanded a thorough and impartial inquiry to ascertain the facts and determine whether any violation of medical ethics or government healthcare guidelines had occurred.
Medical experts note that post-operative follow-up by treating doctors is generally considered an important aspect of patient care, though practices may vary depending on the nature of the surgery, departmental protocols and the patient’s condition.
No official statement had been issued by AMCH authorities on the allegations till the filing of this report.
The incident has prompted calls for a high-level inquiry into whether the patient was denied benefits under the Ayushman Bharat scheme and whether adequate post-operative care was provided.