Inquiry Uncovers Unwarranted Heart Surgeries and Fraudulent Practices at GMC Anantnag
An investigative departmental inquiry has revealed alarming irregularities involving unwarranted advanced cardiac surgeries at the Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag. The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department found that nearly 50% of patients subjected to complex cardiac interventions did not medically require them. This exposes a disturbing case of patient exploitation, falsification of records, and fraudulent insurance claims within the institution.
Details of The Inquiry and Findings
The inquiry specifically centers around an alleged pacemaker implantation scam involving 103 cardiac patients at GMC Anantnag. Of these, an expert audit revealed that 27 out of 55 patients who underwent Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) had normal heart function and exhibited no clinical indication for such invasive procedures.
The cardiologist named in the report, Dr. Syed Maqbool, has been accused of manipulating official medical records and performing unauthorized medical interventions. The departmental charges against him include:
- Falsification of clinical and procedural records
- System-wide fraud and exploitation of patients
- Collusion with private vendors bypassing institutional procurement protocols
- Performing unnecessary and advanced surgical procedures on healthy patients
- Extorting out-of-pocket payments from patients entitled to free healthcare
Manipulation of Insurance Claims and Financial Exploitation
The irregularities include booking 103 cases under the ‘Dual Chamber Pacemaker Implantation’ package on the Transaction Management System (TMS) while actually performing more complex LBBAP procedures. This misrepresentation was allegedly designed to illegally divert public funds under the PMJAY/SEHAT welfare scheme.
Moreover, the inquiry uncovered compelling evidence that patients were coerced into paying substantial sums, sometimes as high as Rs 70,000, to private companies for procedures supposedly provided free of charge within the government facility.
Such activities violate the cashless and free treatment mandates of public health schemes, constituting severe criminal misconduct and gross abuse of official position.
Bypassing Institutional Supply Chains and Lack of Transparency
Dr. Maqbool reportedly bypassed GMC Anantnag’s official supply chain network for medical hardware procurement. Instead of obtaining equipment through mandatory institutional channels, he collaborated with unauthorized private vendors, undermining quality control and accountability.
The inquiry also noted that procurement records were either withheld or missing, suggesting attempts to conceal evidence and obstruct the anti-fraud investigation.
Investigation Process and Institutional Response
Alerts about unusual spikes in LBBAP-related insurance claims emerged in December 2025, prompting the State Anti-Fraud Unit (SAFU) to conduct a surprise onsite audit at GMC Anantnag. Interviews with hospital officials and a detailed review of transaction and procedure records exposed significant discrepancies between the official system records and physical documentation.
Independent experts at SKIMS Soura reviewed the cases and declared that none of the 27 patients with normal heart function had any medical justification for the invasive LBBAP procedure performed on them. Consequently, the fraudulent claims were rejected.
Next Steps and Disciplinary Proceedings
Dr. Maqbool has been directed to submit a written defense within a week. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary proceedings conducted ex parte. The findings of gross medical malpractice, financial exploitation, and procedural misrepresentation indicate conduct unbecoming of a government servant and are likely to lead to termination and legal action.
The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department plans to initiate formal departmental action under the Civil Service Rules to address this abuse of public trust.
Conclusion
The inquiry at GMC Anantnag highlights critical vulnerabilities in the healthcare system regarding patient safety, ethical medical practice, and financial governance. It underscores the need for stringent oversight, transparency, and accountability mechanisms within public health institutions to protect vulnerable patients from exploitation and ensure integrity in medical services.
This case serves as a wake-up call to health authorities and policymakers to strengthen anti-fraud frameworks and reinforce ethical standards in healthcare delivery.
