Madhya Pradesh Ambulance Scam
• NHM Orders Probe into 12,000 KM Fraud
• 108 Ambulance Overbilling
• The 12,000 KM Mirage
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
The National Health Mission (NHM) is investigating a major overbilling scam by 108 ambulance operators in Madhya Pradesh. Following reports of inflated mileage claims—up to 12,000 km in a month—field verification has been ordered across 20 districts. The Sprouts News SIT exclusive reveals systemic corruption threatening public health funds and emergency services.
The National Health Mission (NHM) has initiated a major field verification drive across 20 districts in Madhya Pradesh following allegations of a widespread ambulance overbilling scam. Operators of the crucial 108 emergency service network are accused of submitting inflated mileage bills, with some claims reaching an improbable 12,000 kilometers in a single month. This potential fraud represents a significant loss to state funds and a breach of public trust.
The NHM headquarters has directed Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHOs) in suspect districts to conduct immediate ground-level audits. Officials have confirmed that strict action, including blacklisting, will be taken against operators if the field verification confirms these financial irregularities. The move comes after internal bill scrutiny revealed consistent and unrealistic travel logs from service providers.
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Districts Under Scrutiny for Fraudulent Ambulance Claims
Key districts under the scanner include Ujjain, Chhatarpur, Bhind, Satna, Rewa, Jabalpur, and Sagar. According to health department officials, the claimed mileage figures are logistically impossible for a single vehicle to achieve within a month. The exaggerated billing suggests a deliberate attempt to siphon money from the public health emergency fund.
This probe was triggered by persistent complaints from local levels and discrepancies identified during financial audits. The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) has highlighted that such malpractices not only drain precious public resources but also jeopardize the integrity of life-saving emergency medical services for citizens.
Systemic Accountability and Public Trust at Risk
The findings from the NHM’s verification process will determine the scope of criminal liability for the involved contractors. If confirmed, the scam could expose deeper collusion between private operators and local health administration officials. Corruption within emergency services fundamentally erodes public faith and compromises care for critical patients.
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) has previously documented similar cases of inflated claims that saw little enforcement. This current investigation places immense pressure on the state administration to demonstrate accountability and implement stringent punitive measures to deter future fraud.
Also Read: Central Cooperative Bank Job Scam Sparks Outrage Over Farmer Injustice.
Ambulance Scam Leads Parallel Challenges in Madhya Pradesh’s Healthcare
While the ambulance scam is being investigated, a separate controversy surrounding the systemic exclusion of non-bonded doctors from NHM recruitment continues. Despite intervention from the President’s Secretariat, bureaucratic delays persist, exacerbating the rural healthcare crisis. This inaction leaves both qualified doctors and patients in a vulnerable position.
The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT) remains committed to tracking these developments. The outcome of the NHM’s probe is awaited by stakeholders and policymakers alike, as it will set a critical precedent for governance and accountability in publicly funded health schemes.
