Key Facts
The Jammu and Kashmir government has suspended Dr. Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah, Associate Professor of Cardiology at Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, for allegedly falsifying 103 cardiac procedures under the PMJAY-SEHAT scheme. Health Minister Sakina Itoo announced the suspension and ordered a detailed inquiry on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Details of the Allegations
According to the preliminary investigation, Dr. Shah performed Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) on patients but claimed funds for a more expensive Dual Chamber Pacemaker. The State Health Agency (SHA) flagged an alarming spike in LBBAP cases and referred the data to SKIMS, Soura for expert review. The expert panel found that 27 out of 55 patients (49%) had normal left ventricular function and wide QRS morphology, with no medical reason for LBBAP.
Further, the investigation revealed that Dr. Shah logged false descriptions in the Transaction Management System (TMS), bypassed the government supply chain, and extorted money from patients. One patient, Peer Rafiq Ahmad, confirmed he was forced to pay ₹70,000 out-of-pocket to a private firm, M/S SSB Combination, at the doctor's direction.
Impact and Reactions
Health Minister Sakina Itoo stated, "We will conclude the inquiry and will not allow any doctor to play with the lives of patients." GMC Anantnag administrator Mukbil Lateef added, "No individual can be declared guilty until the inquiry is completed and responsibility is established." The State Anti-Fraud Unit (SAFU) had received multiple alerts about out-of-pocket expenditures by poor patients at GMC Anantnag, prompting an unannounced on-site investigation on December 19, 2025.
What Readers Should Know
- The doctor has been suspended and attached to GMC Jammu pending inquiry.
- The PMJAY-SEHAT scheme provides free healthcare to eligible residents; any out-of-pocket payment is illegal.
- Patients who have undergone cardiac procedures at GMC Anantnag are advised to contact SHA if they faced similar issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PMJAY-SEHAT scheme?
PMJAY-SEHAT is a health insurance scheme for residents of Jammu and Kashmir, providing cashless treatment up to Rs. 5 lakh per family per year.
What was the doctor accused of?
Dr. Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah is accused of performing Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP) on patients without medical necessity and claiming funds for a more expensive Dual Chamber Pacemaker, besides extorting money from patients.
How many patients were affected?
103 cardiac procedures were misrepresented, out of which 27 patients had no medical reason for the procedure performed.
What action has been taken?
The doctor has been suspended and attached to GMC Jammu. An inquiry is underway, and the Health Minister has assured strict action.
Source: www.thehindu.com