In order to check malpractises like patients submitting false certificates to get free diagnostic tests or surgeries, the city’s premier health institution, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences, has launched an online verification system for patients exempt from paying charges.
The move, according to AIIMS authorities, is aimed at bringing in more transparency and keeping a track of the BPL card holders seeking free services and treatment at the hospital. According to the AIIMS sources, there have been instances in the recent past where the patients have resorted to fraudulent means and ways to avail of facilities like genetic tests, hormone profiling, MRI, CT-scans etc, which are offered free of cost to the people belonging to BPL category. Some services are also provided at subsidised rates.
“There have been several cases where the facility has been abused by patients and their family members. They show false BPL cards and avail diagnostic and treatment facilities free of cost. However, as part of the new initiative we have started tracking the BPL card numbers for the purpose of verification,” said Dr Deepak Aggarwal, in-charge of the IT wing at AIIMS.
According to Dr Aggarwal, the verification of patients falling under BPL category was being done manually, under which it was difficult to keep track of all the patients availing of free services. “Also, it was a tedious, time-consuming process. The online verification process is fast, more accurate and transparent,” added Dr Aggarwal.
Patients have to show their BPL cards for the data entry. Those who do not have BPL cards but are poor will need to submit affidavits declaring they are below poverty level. “Patients’ Aadhar card number is being captured to track these patients in a better way,” he said.
