Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the establishment of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into alleged irregularities in the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) in Nashik district. The SIT, led by Nashik Regional Commissioner Praveen Gedam, will include experts from various government departments. This decision was disclosed during a high-level meeting on the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and MJPJAY at the State Legislature.
CM Fadnavis revealed that a recent inspection by the State Health Assurance Society identified around 16,000 suspicious claims and surgeries in Maharashtra between 2024 and 2026, with 9,500 cases in Nashik alone. As a result, the state government has already taken action against five hospitals in Nashik. A comprehensive investigation by the SIT is planned, with a focus on recovering misappropriated funds and preventing future fraud through advanced technology and inter-departmental coordination.
To enhance transparency and combat fraud, the state government intends to leverage cutting-edge technology, including AI and advanced analytics, to scrutinize approximately 13 lakh potentially fraudulent claims. The Maharashtra Cyber Police will also play a role in monitoring digital fraud in healthcare transactions. Additionally, dedicated fraud-prevention units will be set up in each district, supported by real-time monitoring systems for swift action against irregularities.
