Mumbai, July 10: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday announced the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe alleged irregularities under the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana (MJPJAY) in Nashik district. The SIT will be headed by Nashik Divisional Commissioner Pravin Gedam and will comprise experts from various departments.
The announcement was made during a review meeting of the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and the Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana at the state legislature.
Fadnavis said that scrutiny conducted by the State Health Assurance Society between 2024 and 2026 identified around 16,000 suspicious claims and surgeries, of which nearly 9,500 were reported from Nashik district. The recognition of five hospitals in Nashik has already been cancelled. Based on the SIT’s findings, strict action will be taken against those responsible, and any misappropriated funds will be recovered.
The Chief Minister reiterated that ensuring transparent and quality healthcare for poor and needy citizens remains the government’s top priority. He said fraud in public health schemes would not be tolerated and that advanced technology, data analytics, cyber investigation and stringent audits would be used to strengthen oversight and restore public confidence.
The government will also examine nearly 1.3 million potentially fraudulent cases using artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics. Maharashtra Cyber Police will assist in investigating cyber-related fraud, while a coordinated mechanism will be developed to monitor digital healthcare transactions.
Large-value treatment claims will undergo special audits, and all previously flagged cases will be subjected to forensic audits before legal action is initiated. Dedicated anti-fraud units equipped with real-time monitoring dashboards will also be established in every district to detect and prevent irregularities.
The government said these measures are expected to improve transparency, accountability and the effective implementation of both the Ayushman Bharat and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana, ensuring that genuine beneficiaries receive healthcare benefits in a secure and efficient manner.
MLA Dr. Rahul Aher also presented details of the alleged irregularities in Nashik district during the meeting.
