A major healthcare scam has been exposed in Noida, Greater Noida, and Ghaziabad, where a gang allegedly misused Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) cards to generate fake hospital bills worth lakhs. Police have arrested four accused, while one suspect is still absconding.
The case has raised serious concerns about the misuse of government healthcare schemes and possible loopholes in hospital verification systems.
Fraud Exposed Through Hospital Verification
The scam came to light during an investigation at a hospital in the Bisrakh area. Officials discovered that the patient undergoing treatment was not the actual cardholder, and the ECHS card used belonged to someone else.
This mismatch triggered a deeper probe, which uncovered a well-organised racket operating across multiple locations
Targeting the Vulnerable
Police said the gang specifically targeted economically weaker patients, offering them treatment in reputed hospitals at a low cost. Once convinced, these patients were admitted under someone else’s ECHS card.
The process was carried out smoothly, with documents reportedly shared via WhatsApp, and the entire cycle — from admission to billing — managed efficiently, allegedly with the involvement of insiders.
Rs 6.5 Lakh Fraud Case Highlights Scale
In one instance, a woman was admitted under a fake identity, and a treatment bill of nearly Rs 6.5 lakh was generated using a fraudulent card.
Officials believe this could be just one of many such cases, indicating that the total fraud amount may be significantly higher.
Organised Network with Defined Roles
Investigations revealed that the gang operated in a structured manner, with each member assigned a specific task. Some identified patients, others arranged fake documents, while a few handled hospital coordination and financial transactions.
The mastermind behind the racket is reportedly a repeat offender who had earlier been jailed in a similar case.
Questions Over Hospital Accountability
The case has also raised questions about hospital systems and possible internal collusion. Authorities have indicated that strict action will be taken if any staff members are found involved.
Officials are now examining whether similar frauds have been carried out under other government schemes as well.
Investigation Continues
Police are continuing their investigation to track down the absconding accused and identify the full extent of the network. The case is being seen as a major example of how organised fraud can exploit gaps in public welfare systems.
