Chandigarh:
The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in collaboration with AMRIT Pharmacy has reported a serious incident involving the misuse of a stolen indent book and counterfeit stamps to divert medications intended for patients enrolled in the Ayushman Bharat cashless schemes.
The unauthorized individual was apprehended on February 18, 2025, and subsequently handed over to local police authorities for further investigation.
In response to this fraudulent activity, PGIMER and AMRIT have jointly filed a formal complaint with the relevant law enforcement agencies and have established an internal committee tasked with investigating the matter and providing recommendations to prevent future occurrences.
As part of our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of our healthcare services, PGIMER is implementing the following immediate measures:
Transition to Online Indenting System: The existing manual indenting system for patients under cashless schemes will be discontinued and replaced with a secure online indenting process. The Computer Section of PGIMER, in collaboration with the internal committee, has developed a solution to be integrated into the existing Hospital Information System (HIS 1). We anticipate this transition will be completed within one week.
Dedicated Service Area for Cashless Beneficiaries: A designated area outside the Emergency department has been identified for AMRIT to exclusively serve beneficiaries of cashless schemes, including Ayushman Bhara
Enhanced Manpower for improved service : PGIMER will work with AMRIT to increase staffing levels to ensure that medications and implants processed through the new online system are delivered directly to patients at their bedside.
PGIMER is committed to provide quality medical care and is assisting the police authorities in every way in their efforts to find the culprits trying to exploit PGIMER and tarnish its image.
