Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has taken strict action against hospitals empanelled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme for alleged treatment negligence, violations of prescribed standards and financial irregularities. Between 2020 and 2026, a total of 866 hospitals faced action, according to an official statement. The action included removal of 648 hospitals from the scheme’s panel, suspension of 61 hospitals and withdrawal of specific medical specialties from 17 hospitals.
According to the government, penalties exceeding ₹8.53 crore were imposed on 140 hospitals during the last two financial years. More than ₹4.37 crore of the amount has been recovered so far. Authorities said monitoring of empanelled hospitals is being strengthened to ensure that Ayushman card holders receive quality treatment in accordance with prescribed standards.
The State Agency for Comprehensive Health and Integrated Services (SACHIS), the nodal agency overseeing several health schemes in Uttar Pradesh, is monitoring the action. According to SACHIS data, 318 hospitals have faced action so far in 2026. Of these, 242 hospitals were removed from the panel for failing to meet 35 indicators prescribed by the Centre. Another 61 hospitals were suspended, while specific specialties were withdrawn from 15 hospitals.
The data shows that 16 hospitals faced action in 2025. Of these, 14 were removed from the panel and specific specialties were withdrawn from two hospitals. Earlier, action was taken against 27 hospitals in 2024, 203 in 2023, 41 in 2022, 44 in 2021 and 77 in 2020. The cumulative number of hospitals facing action over the six-year period has therefore reached 866.
Financial irregularities have also resulted in significant penalties. During 2025-26, more than ₹3.45 crore in penalties were imposed on 60 hospitals, of which over ₹3.19 crore has already been recovered. In the current financial year, 2026-27, penalties exceeding ₹5.07 crore have so far been imposed on 80 hospitals. More than ₹1.17 crore has been recovered from this amount.
The government said action is being taken not only on the basis of complaints but also through data analytics designed to identify suspicious patterns in hospital records. The State Anti-Fraud Unit analyses data to detect possible treatment negligence, violations of prescribed standards and irregular billing or admission practices.
Among the patterns being examined are repeated admissions of the same patient, submission of identical medical reports and instances where out-patients are allegedly shown as in-patients. Such data-based monitoring is intended to identify suspicious claims and practices that may otherwise remain difficult to detect through routine inspections.
Authorities have indicated that hospitals will face continued scrutiny if they fail to comply with the requirements of the Ayushman Bharat scheme. The government has also made it clear that imposing a financial penalty will not necessarily end the matter. If a hospital continues to violate prescribed standards despite penalties, suspension action can follow.
The action is being carried out under the directions of the Uttar Pradesh government, with the stated objective of ensuring better and standardised treatment for Ayushman card holders. Authorities are expected to continue monitoring hospital eligibility, treatment procedures, patient records and financial claims to strengthen accountability within the scheme.
The crackdown comes as the government seeks to prevent misuse of public healthcare schemes while ensuring that eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits intended for them. With data analytics playing a greater role in identifying irregularities, hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat are likely to face closer scrutiny of both medical practices and financial claims in the coming months.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
