In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that over 23,000 'ghost patients' with fake mobile numbers were involved in a massive fake lab test scam in Delhi's Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics. This alarming situation unfolded in just seven clinics over a span of three months, raising serious concerns about the integrity of healthcare services in these clinics.

The Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, V K Saxena, has taken a firm stance on this issue. He has called for a thorough investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into these allegations of fraudulent lab tests conducted at Mohalla Clinics. These clinics are run by the Aam Aadmi Party government in Delhi. This demand by the LG comes in the wake of this being the second major scandal to strike the Kejriwal government's health department. The first involved the supply of sub-standard medicines to government hospitals, highlighting a pattern of negligence and malpractice within the health system.

This latest scam is particularly noteworthy. The Delhi government had outsourced lab test services to two private laboratories - Agilus Diagnostics and Metropolis Health Care. However, according to the findings from the LG's office, it appears that these private laboratories received payments amounting to hundreds of crores for thousands of lab tests that were never actually conducted. The deception ran deep, with these tests being falsely recorded under the names of 'ghost patients' - individuals registered using fake phone numbers. This raises significant questions about the monitoring and auditing mechanisms in place for such critical health services.

LG Saxena has also directly criticized Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over this scandal. He pointed out that despite Kejriwal's public assertions and 'tall claims', such a significant scam was allowed to persist under his administration. This statement reflects a grave concern regarding the oversight and governance of health services in Delhi, particularly in the Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics (AAMC), which are meant to be a cornerstone of accessible healthcare in the city.

The unfolding of the fake lab test scam at Delhi's Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics was not a result of routine checks but emerged from a special initiative. This initiative was taken by Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, who ordered random monitoring of the clinics. The need for this monitoring became evident when LG Saxena was clearing a file in December 2022. This file was about extending lab testing services to private entities for patients visiting Mohalla Clinics and Delhi Government Hospitals.

It's important to note that there was a significant lapse in the system. Despite recommendations from the previous LG, no impact assessment study or review report of the outsourced lab facilities had been conducted. To rectify this oversight, LG Saxena initiated a random sample study of lab tests conducted by private laboratories in these Mohalla Clinics. This move was crucial in uncovering the deep-rooted malpractices that were occurring.

The scam first came to light in August 2023. It was discovered that some doctors and staff members at seven Mohalla Clinics, located in the South-West, Shahdara, and North-East districts of Delhi, were engaging in unethical practices. These practices involved manipulating the system to falsely mark patient attendance. They did this by using pre-recorded videos to mark the attendance of Medical Officers In-Charge on three tablet modules, even in the absence of these officers. This act was a clear violation of established rules.

The situation was further aggravated by additional malpractices. Unauthorized staff were found consulting patients and prescribing medicines in the absence of qualified doctors. This is not just a breach of protocol but also poses a serious risk to patient safety and the quality of healthcare being provided.

As a consequence of these discoveries, stern actions were taken. The staff members involved in these unethical practices were removed from their positions (de-empanelled), and FIRs (First Information Reports) were lodged against them. These measures reflect the seriousness of the offenses committed and the commitment to uphold the integrity of healthcare services.

In an effort to thoroughly investigate the fake lab test scam at the Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi, V K Saxena, took another significant step. He ordered a detailed study of the lab tests conducted over a period of three months. Specifically, the data from July to September 2023 were collected from the two implicated laboratories, Agilus Diagnostics and Metropolis Health Care, for a comprehensive analysis.

The findings from this study were alarming. It was discovered that a significant number of registrations for patients were made using fake and non-existent phone numbers. Additionally, there were instances of duplicate phone numbers being used. This fraudulent activity suggested that lab tests were being recorded for 'ghost patients' – individuals who did not exist – and yet, the government was making payments for these fictitious tests. The use of fake and duplicate numbers was a clear indicator of the deceitful practices employed to siphon off government funds under the guise of healthcare services.

The numbers involved in this scam are staggering and point towards a large-scale financial fraud. The data retrieved from the Lab Management Information System of the two laboratories revealed several shocking details. It appeared that the scam could involve hundreds of crores of rupees. The study indicated that the de-empanelled doctors and staff members were involved in recording entries for fake patients and were also prescribing a large number of lab tests for these non-existent individuals. Furthermore, these tests were being prescribed in the absence of the treating doctors, compounding the violation of standard medical protocols.

This revelation raises serious concerns about the scale of the scam and the methods used to execute it. The fact that lab tests were prescribed without the presence or approval of a qualified treating doctor is particularly disturbing. It not only highlights a gross violation of medical ethics and procedures but also points to a well-organized racket operating within the healthcare system.

The extent of the fake lab test scam in Delhi's Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics becomes increasingly apparent with further investigation. The number of fake patients identified in just seven labs over a three-month period is astoundingly high. Detailed analysis of patient records revealed glaring irregularities in the mobile numbers used for registration.

In 11,657 patient records, the mobile number listed consisted solely of zeroes. A further 8,251 patient records had no mobile number recorded at all. Additionally, 3,092 records had the mobile number 9999999999, which is clearly fictitious. For 400 patients, the mobile numbers started with digits such as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 – sequences that are not currently in use in India. Even more concerning was the discovery that in 999 records, the same mobile numbers were repeated 15 times or more. For example, the number 9810467129 was recorded for 185 patients, and 165 patients were listed with the number 9855544543. These findings indicate that in the preliminary probe conducted by the LG's office, over 23,000 fake patients were detected.

The data analyzed were taken from seven specific Mohalla Clinics, namely Jagjeet Nagar, Bihari Colony, Jaffar Kalan, Dhansa, Ujwa, Shikarpur, and Gopal Nagar Mohalla Clinics. In these clinics, a total of 17,725 lab tests were conducted from February 2023 to September 2023. Out of these, Agilus Lab conducted 15,463 tests for five Mohalla clinics, while Metropolis handled 2,262 tests for two clinics.

A broader study encompassing all tests conducted by the two labs was also undertaken. This revealed that a staggering total of 6,06,837 lab tests were carried out by Agilus and Metropolis combined. Of these, Agilus was responsible for 5,21,221 tests, and Metropolis conducted 85,616 tests. These numbers highlight the potential magnitude of the scam and the level of systematic fraud that could be involved.

The scandal surrounding fake lab tests at Delhi's Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics continues to unravel, with recent developments pointing to a lack of action by the Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government. Despite clear evidence of fraudulent activities, the government's response has been criticized for its inadequacy.

After the scam came to light, the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi, V K Saxena, proposed several measures to prevent such incidents in the future. He recommended the implementation of an online registration system for patients, along with Aadhar-based or biometric tracking. This system was to be set up within three months. Furthermore, the LG emphasized that a fresh proposal should be evaluated after six months. This evaluation was meant to assess the efficacy, quality, and genuineness of the new system and determine whether it negatively impacted the existing government diagnostic mechanism.

However, despite these clear recommendations, the Delhi government did not take any significant action. As a consequence, the LG suggested that proceedings be initiated against the Project Director of Outsourced Lab Services (OLS) and other members of the OLS branch for failing to comply with these directives. Additionally, a detailed Vigilance Enquiry was recommended. This enquiry aimed to determine the extent of the financial loss to the exchequer and investigate any possible collusion between doctors, support staff, and the private agencies involved in the scam.

The vigilance report also highlighted a major lapse in oversight. It mentioned that, despite strong advice from the previous LG, no impact assessment study or review report of the outsourced facilities had been conducted. This lack of review allowed the irregularities to go unchecked. After the scam was exposed, the state AAMC (Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics) cell issued directions to file FIRs (First Information Reports) against the doctors of the seven implicated Mohalla Clinics. However, this directive was not followed through. Instead of FIRs, only general diary entries were made by the police. In a further concerning development, the CDMO (Chief District Medical Officer) of North-East Delhi, Dr. Sandeep Gautam, was found to have made false statements claiming that FIRs had been registered.

The vigilance report on the Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics in Delhi has brought to light further troubling details about their operation and management. According to the report, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is already investigating various anomalies in the establishment of these clinics. Now, the functioning of the clinics has also come under scrutiny. It has been found that actual data is being manipulated and distorted to benefit certain vested interests, at the cost of public funds. This manipulation, combined with the recent discovery of the supply of sub-standard drugs to government hospitals, paints a grim picture of the health sector in Delhi. It suggests that there are multiple issues at different levels, compromising the quality of essential services that the public heavily relies on.

The vigilance report has also uncovered questionable practices in the setup of the Mohalla Clinics. While advertisements were issued to rent locations for setting up these clinics, it appears that over 50% of the premises were chosen on a "pick and choose basis," disregarding the advertised criteria. This indicates a lack of transparency and fairness in the selection process. Furthermore, the report reveals that the approval of diagnostic lab services was granted without the necessary approval and concurrence of the Finance Department, suggesting procedural lapses.

Another major issue highlighted is the compensation structure for doctors and staff in these clinics. Their remuneration is based on patient footfall, but there has been no audit to verify these numbers, and the accounting system for tracking patient visits is inadequate. The report explicitly states, "The number of patients visiting the premises/clinic is not captured in a transparent manner." This lack of transparency and accountability in patient record-keeping raises questions about the accuracy and integrity of the data being reported by these clinics.

Based on these concerning findings, the Vigilance Department has recommended that the matter be referred to the CBI for further investigation. Acting on this recommendation, the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi has requested the CBI to take over the probe into the fake lab tests conducted at the Aam Aadmi Mohalla Clinics.

LG Saxena slams Kejriwal, reveals how the CM tried to play politics

Lieutenant Governor (LG) V K Saxena sharply criticized Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of negligence in the face of a major healthcare scandal. LG Saxena said, “It is deeply upsetting that such fraud is allowed to be perpetrated on the general public which speaks volumes of the irresponsible and lackadaisical approach of successive Hon ‘ble Health Ministers as indeed Hon ‘ble Chief Minister, towards public health. While tall claims are frequently made in various forums by the GNCTD regarding providing world class health infrastructure in Delhi, the recent finding regarding spurious drugs and now fake lab tests, bring to the fore dark realities that belie any claims on the contrary.” This statement highlights the LG's disappointment and frustration with the Delhi government's handling of public health, especially in light of the recent scandals involving spurious drugs and fake lab tests. He contrasts the government's frequent claims of world-class health infrastructure with the grim reality of these scandals, indicating a significant gap between promises and actual performance.

In addition to revealing the extent of the scam, LG Saxena also criticized the poor state of healthcare under the Arvind Kejriwal government. In response to the Delhi Health Department’s proposal to extend contracts with private labs for tests, the LG noted the inadequacy of government labs. He said, “While such a decision on the part of the Governments in remote places, that lack facilities in term of physical infrastructure and trained medical professionals in the Government sector, would have made sense, it obviously does not meet the requirements of a rational decision in the Capital of the country, owing to the fact that Government Hospitals / facilities in Delhi run by GNCTD, as often claimed by the Government itself, are replete with ample physical infrastructure in terms of building, space, machinery and equipment as indeed medical professionals of highest caliber.” LG Saxena is pointing out a paradox: while outsourcing may be understandable in remote areas with limited resources, it doesn't make sense in Delhi. The capital is claimed to be well-equipped with infrastructure and skilled professionals, making the decision to outsource lab services seem irrational.

Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena emphasized a significant point regarding the management of public healthcare in Delhi. He referenced his predecessor, Anil Baijal, who had underscored the importance of bolstering the diagnostic infrastructure within the government system. Baijal had stressed that the public healthcare system should not be entirely dependent on private entities. LG Saxena lamented that instead of enhancing the government’s own healthcare facilities as recommended, the current government proposed a plan that might further deteriorate the public health system. He observed, “However, instead of making efforts to strengthen the government system as suggested, the Government has come up with a new proposal, which will further damage the public health system, by way of underutilization, disuse and neglect.” This indicates a worrying trend where the government's approach could lead to underuse and neglect of existing government healthcare facilities, potentially impacting the quality of public healthcare.

Furthermore, LG Saxena highlighted the urgent need to implement a system of Aadhar-based or biometric tracking of patients. He believed this was crucial to prevent malpractices and financial improprieties within the healthcare system. Such a system would ensure proper tracking and validation of patient identities, thereby minimizing the chances of fraud and misuse of resources.

The LG also pointed out an alarming discrepancy in the functioning of Mohalla Clinics. Despite an increase in the number of clinics from 450 to 519 in 2022, there was a significant drop in the number of Outpatient Department (OPD) patients per clinic. The number decreased from an average of 3416 patients per month per clinic in 2021 to just 1824 in 2022. This decline in patient numbers raises questions about the effectiveness and utility of these clinics. Moreover, despite this drop in patient numbers, there was a disproportionate increase in the number of diagnostic tests reported by the outsourced labs. These tests surged from 6,30,978 per month in 2021 to 9,30,000 per month in 2022. Such a disparity between the number of patients and the number of tests conducted is a cause for concern and suggests possible irregularities in the reporting and management of these tests.

Some patients of Mohalla Clinics with fake phone number

Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena revealed a contentious issue involving the Kejriwal government's approach to handling the healthcare scandal. He accused the Delhi government of attempting to politicize the situation, particularly in the context of the extension of contracts for diagnostic labs. LG Saxena explained that while the Delhi Cabinet had decided to extend these contracts in July 2022, the relevant file was only sent to his office in December of the same year. This delay was notable, as it occurred less than three weeks before the existing contracts were due to expire.

Further intensifying the situation, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote to LG Saxena about this matter within just ten days of sending the file. Additionally, Kejriwal shared this communication in the public domain. LG Saxena interpreted these actions as a deliberate strategy to pressure him into making a decision, describing it as "an obvious attempt to unconstitutionally force a decision." This accusation suggests a scenario where the Chief Minister was trying to use public and media pressure to influence the administrative process, potentially bypassing the normal, constitutional procedures for such decisions.