Junagadh: Serious irregularities have come to light at Junagadh-based K.J. Multispecialty Hospital, where an allegedly unqualified and unauthorized doctor reportedly performed surgeries under the government’s PMJAY-MA scheme, prompting action by the Health Department. Authorities have imposed a penalty of ₹12.50 lakh and issued a show-cause notice to the hospital after an audit uncovered multiple violations.

The action was initiated following an investigation ordered by Dr. Hitesh Brahmbhatt, Additional Director, Medical Services, Government of Gujarat. The PMJAY-MA scheme provides cashless medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh annually to poor and middle-class families. Officials said the hospital allegedly violated mandatory norms and eligibility criteria prescribed under the scheme.

A recent audit conducted by Bajaj Insurance TPA Services Pvt. Ltd. reportedly found serious discrepancies in hospital records. The findings, which were also acknowledged by hospital authorities in official documentation, were placed before the executive committee. Following approval from the competent authority, the hospital director was served a show-cause notice and penal action was initiated.

One of the most serious findings involved 76 surgeries that were recorded on the government portal under the name of Dr. Srinivas Kumaran, who was associated with the hospital only until December 2024. However, records showed that surgeries continued to be logged under his name until October 2025.

During the inquiry, the hospital stated that the surgeries had actually been performed by Dr. S. Dinesh. However, officials found that Dr. Dinesh allegedly did not possess the required GMC or NMC registration and was not listed as an authorized surgeon on the government portal during that period, making him ineligible to legally perform surgeries under the scheme.

The audit also revealed another alleged violation involving knee replacement surgeries. Examination of online TMS records reportedly showed that more than three Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgeries had been performed in a single day at the hospital. Health Department rules permit an orthopedic surgeon to perform a maximum of three such surgeries per day.

Authorities imposed a penalty of ₹12,50,487, equivalent to 10 percent of the total claim amount of ₹1.25 crore linked to the 76 surgeries allegedly conducted by unauthorized doctors. The hospital has been directed to deposit the amount into the State Nodal Cell account under the scheme within seven days.

The government has also instructed the hospital to submit an affidavit on official stamp paper stating that any future violation of scheme guidelines could invite immediate suspension or de-empanelment. DeshGujarat