Srinagar, Jul 10: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday constituted a high-level inquiry committee to conduct an audit and data analysis of cardiology cases performed at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)/AB PM-JAY SEHAT scheme, tasking the panel with examining findings of an earlier expert committee and carrying out a comprehensive review of cardiology procedures.
The four-member committee will be headed by Prof (Dr) Khalid Mohi-d-Din, Professor at Government Medical College Srinagar. Other members include Prof (Dr) Dharminder Kumar (GMC Jammu), Prof (Dr) Sanjeev Bhat (GMC Jammu), and State Nodal Officer SHA JK Dr Misbah Samad.
The panel will scrutinise findings and recommendations of the expert committee, examine the written statement of defence and supplementary submissions submitted by the cardiologist and Associate Professor, Cardiology GMC Anantnag, Dr Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah, and review all relevant medical records, package selection details, procedural appropriateness, pacemaker implantation records, procurement and billing documents, and other supporting evidence related to cardiology procedures carried out under the scheme.
The inquiry panel will also assess financial implications arising from procedures and insurance claims raised under the scheme, verify whether interventions performed were technically appropriate and in conformity with national treatment guidelines and prescribed package norms, and examine any other aspect considered necessary for arriving at a fair and objective conclusion.
The government has directed the committee to submit a comprehensive report containing specific findings and recommendations to the Health and Medical Education Department within 15 days. The State Health Agency (SHA), J&K, and Government Medical College Anantnag have been instructed to extend full cooperation by providing all records, documents, technical inputs, and logistical support required for the inquiry.
On June 20, the cardiologist was suspended by the government following allegations levelled against him in a departmental memorandum; however, the doctor had then termed the accusations as “fabricated.” The cardiologist was also attached to the office of the Government Medical College, Jammu. The government had subsequently initiated a preliminary inquiry, though no findings had been released after the suspension.
