Saryu Roy demands probe into irregularities in Jharkhand Ayushman Bharat Yojana

Mail News Service

Ranchi, May 28: Former Minister and Jamshedpur MLA Saryu Roy has raised serious concerns regarding the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Jharkhand. In a press release, Roy demanded that Jharkhand Chief Minister Champai Soren initiate an investigation into the significant irregularities observed and the alleged involvement of the state Health Minister.

Roy highlighted the purported irregularities and corruption involving officials of the insurance company tasked with implementing the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, the re-insurance company insuring the insurance company, and a middleman private company formed by the Health Department of the Government of Jharkhand. He claimed that these irregularities not only affected patients in the state but also resulted in a financial burden on the government treasury.

According to Roy, an MoU was signed on January 11, 2024, between the Jharkhand State Health Society and a private company named “Niruj Consultants LLP.” This consultancy company was tasked with providing free support for certain works related to Ayushman Bharat. Roy questioned the feasibility of a private company agreeing to undertake such extensive work without any remuneration, hinting at potential hidden agendas behind this arrangement.

Roy urged for an investigation into the relationship between Niruj and the insurance companies involved, as well as the impact of this arrangement on premium setting, payment relationships, and hospital bills. He also raised concerns about the alleged high-level patronage within the health department facilitating these irregularities.

Roy called upon the Chief Minister to cancel the MoU between the Jharkhand Arogya Society and Niruj, citing concerns about vested interests undermining the objectives of the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in the state.