Srinagar, June 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education (HME) Department has initiated disciplinary proceedings against a cardiologist posted at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag over alleged irregularities in cardiac procedures, insurance claims and procurement practices, official documents show.
Dr Syed Maqbool has been served a memorandum under the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, and asked to submit his response within seven days, officials said.
According to the charges framed by the department, the doctor is accused of alleged discrepancies in the conduct and documentation of cardiac procedures carried out under the PMJAY-SEHAT health insurance scheme.
The proceedings stem from an inquiry into more than 100 pacemaker-related cases registered through the scheme. Investigators have alleged that details uploaded on the Transaction Management System did not match records maintained in the hospital’s Cath Lab, raising questions over the nature of procedures performed and claims generated under the programme.
An audit conducted after authorities noticed a rise in claims linked to a specialised cardiac intervention reportedly found that a number of patients who underwent the procedure did not meet the accepted clinical criteria.
The inquiry has also examined allegations that a beneficiary covered under the PMJAY-SEHAT scheme was made to pay for treatment despite being entitled to cashless healthcare benefits. Officials said the matter forms part of the departmental investigation.
The doctor has further been accused of bypassing established procurement channels while sourcing medical implants and equipment. Investigators are examining whether prescribed approvals and procurement procedures were followed.
Officials said documentary evidence, including patient records, procedural logs, audit findings, procurement documents and insurance claim records, has been placed on record as part of the proceedings.
The HME Department said the allegations, if established during the inquiry, could amount to professional misconduct, violation of service rules and abuse of official position.
The department has warned that disciplinary action, including removal from service, may follow if the charges are proved.
The inquiry is being closely watched within the health sector as it concerns the implementation of the PMJAY-SEHAT scheme and adherence to medical and administrative protocols in public healthcare institutions, officials said.(KNS).
