Ayushman scam exposed, officials face immediate action:CEO’s PA and GM suspended, Ayushman Mitra removed after Bhaskar report; Health Minister Rajendra Shukla orders strict action

The Madhya Pradesh government has taken strict action in the Ayushman Bharat scheme following revelations of large-scale corruption exposed in an investigation by Dainik Bhaskar team. Ayushman Bharat CEO Yogesh Bharsat’s personal assistant Chhotelal Singh, and the department’s General Manager (Operations) Indrajeet Sikarwar have been suspended, while Ayushman Mitra Sandeep Singh’s services have been terminated. The action was ordered by Health Minister Rajendra Shukla. The Bhaskar investigation revealed how a medical mafia allegedly controlled the Ayushman scheme, with several empanelled hospitals flouting rules by showing rented specialist doctors and operating through internal collusion. During the probe, a Bhaskar reporter first met Ayushman Mitra Sandeep Singh, who advised him to approach PA Chhotelal Singh. In the initial meeting, Chhotelal directed the reporter to GM Indrajeet Sikarwar, who assured that the concerned hospital would soon be empanelled under the scheme. However, during a second meeting, PA Chhotelal Singh allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 10 lakh, claiming that in return, new hospitals could be added to the Ayushman panel, even among around 200 hospitals scheduled to be removed after March. Following the disclosure, the state government acted swiftly, terming the matter serious and ordering immediate disciplinary action against the officials involved.