Fraudulent Billing Scandal Uncovered at AIIMS Patna; Contractor’s Service Terminated
PATNA – AIIMS Patna has terminated its service contract with M/s. Alankit Limited following a thorough investigation into fraudulent billing practices. The service contract, which was initially in effect from March 17, 2021, was extended until January 15, 2024. The irregularities came to light during a routine scrutiny by the Medical Records Department (MRD) on January 2, 2024.
The investigation uncovered a significant discrepancy between the in-patient bills recorded in the Hospital Information System (HIS) and the actual amounts collected from the patients. The AIIMS Patna Administration launched a comprehensive probe, revealing a widespread pattern of fraudulent practices by M/s. Alankit Limited. These practices included tampering with the final hospitalization bills of discharged patients.
In a startling development, it was also discovered that a large sum of cash, totaling Rs 1.64 lakhs, had been misplaced by Alankit Limited staff. Furthermore, it was revealed that certain personnel of Alankit were not receiving regular salaries from the firm, despite AIIMS Patna consistently making payments.
Upon learning of these malpractices, Executive Director Dr. G.K. Pal, who was away on official duty at AIIMS Gorakhpur, promptly constituted an enquiry committee to investigate the allegations. The committee has been tasked with looking into the generation of fraudulent bills and the misplacement of cash by Alankit personnel.
Upon Dr. G.K. Pal’s return on the night of January 13, 2024, the AIIMS Patna Administration decided not to extend the service contract with Alankit Limited beyond January 15, 2024, in light of the fraudulent practices.
The investigation into the malpractices, including the generation of fraudulent bills and the misplacement of a significant amount of cash, is ongoing.
