Supreme Court Dismisses Gujarat Government’s Plea in Angioplasty Case
Background of the Case
The Supreme Court of India rejected the Gujarat government’s request to cancel the bail of Dr. Prashant Vazirani, a cardiologist accused of conducting unnecessary and poorly executed angioplasty procedures that resulted in the deaths of two beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). The decision was made by Justices J K Maheshwari and AS Chandurkar during a hearing on Monday.
Details of the Court Ruling
The Gujarat government had challenged the high court’s decision from December 8, 2022, which granted regular bail to Dr. Vazirani. The bench stated, “He is a doctor, a cardiologist, let him serve. You can keep a watch on him. If he’s doing something, you can take recourse,” as reported by the news agency PTI.
The government argued the case was serious due to the fatalities involved. Justice Maheshwari responded, “We have seen all the material. We will not interfere,” indicating the court’s stance on the matter.
Legal Proceedings and Arrest
Dr. Vazirani was arrested on November 14, 2024, following the registration of three FIRs related to the deaths of two PMJAY beneficiaries due to unnecessary angioplasty procedures. The Vastrapur police in Ahmedabad conducted the arrests based on complaints from the victims’ families and a report from the Chief District Medical Officer.
The police claimed that the accused conspired to gain financial benefits from the PMJAY scheme, which ultimately led to the deaths of the patients. Victims Nagarbhai Senma (59) and Mahesh Barot (45), residents of Mehsana district, died on the same day they underwent procedures at Khyati Multispeciality Hospital.
Allegations Against the Hospital
The FIRs allege that the hospital misrepresented the patients’ medical conditions, claiming they required angioplasty and stent placement when such interventions were unwarranted. Reports indicated that the patients did not receive adequate post-operative care, and no cardiologist was present at the time of their deaths.
The investigation revealed that the hospital might have fabricated claims regarding arterial blockages to pressure patients into undergoing unnecessary procedures, exploiting the PMJAY scheme for financial gain.
PMJAY Scheme Overview
The Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY scheme offers free health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh annually for eligible individuals. The case highlights potential misuse of the scheme, as the hospital reportedly conducted a free medical camp in Borisana village on November 10, 2024, leading to the subsequent procedures.
After the camp, 19 villagers were transported to the hospital for angiography, which subsequently led to angioplasty for seven individuals on November 11, 2024. Angioplasty is intended to treat narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, a crucial procedure for improving heart health.