The probe into the alleged heart stent scandal at Lucknow’s King George’s Medical University (KGMU) has been intensified, with the university administration widening its scrutiny of cardiac treatment records and tightening oversight measures. The hospital is already probing an alleged cancer drugs scam case that surfaced recently.
The Vice-Chancellor’s office has sought detailed reports on all angiographies, heart surgeries and cardiac treatments carried out over the past year as investigators examine suspected irregularities linked to the implantation of multiple heart stents and the possible misuse of government healthcare funds.
An investigation was launched after allegations surfaced that more than a dozen patients at the medical facilities were fitted with five stents each. There were serious suspicions of misuse of government funds under the “Ayushman Bharat Yojana”.
As the probe gathers pace, reports have emerged that some doctors associated with the cases attempted to proceed on leave or leave the city.
In response, the administration has cancelled the leave of all concerned doctors and staff members and directed them to remain available for questioning and document verification.
Authorities have also initiated suspension proceedings against certain third-party employees based on complaints received during the inquiry, while the process of blacklisting the company linked to the matter is underway.
KGMU officials are also collecting feedback from cardiac patients, which will form part of the evidence being examined by investigators.
In another significant step, Ayushman Mitras, handling heart stent-related cases under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, has been removed with immediate effect and replaced with regular university staff.
The administration is simultaneously reviewing documents and treatment records at multiple levels to determine whether established medical and administrative procedures were followed.
THE HEART-STENT SCAM
The scandal came to light after allegations surfaced that an unusually high number of stents had been implanted in several patients at the university’s Lari Cardiology Department.
Preliminary findings indicate that around 15 patients were fitted with five stents each, raising questions about whether the procedures were medically justified.
Investigators are examining whether government funds under the Ayushman Bharat scheme were improperly utilised through excessive or unnecessary stent implantation.
INQUIRY PANEL SET UP
A five-member inquiry committee constituted by the university has sought complete records of angioplasty procedures and stent implantations conducted over the past year.
During the initial review, investigators reportedly found cases where patients were admitted multiple times and underwent repeated stent procedures.
Concerns have also been raised over deficiencies in patient histories, treatment records and documentation linked to payments made through Ayushman Bharat cards.
The committee is now examining patient files, angiography reports, angioplasty records and payment details to determine whether treatment protocols were followed.
If required, opinions from independent cardiology experts may also be sought.
Officials are particularly focused on establishing whether the implantation of five stents in individual patients was clinically necessary and whether all procedures adhered to accepted medical standards.
The widening probe has also had an impact on procurement patterns across the university. According to officials, medicine purchases in some departments that previously touched nearly Rs 45 lakh have fallen sharply to around Rs 10 lakh since investigations began, prompting further scrutiny of procurement practices.
CANCER DRUGS SCAM
The intensified heart stent inquiry comes even as KGMU is investigating another major alleged financial irregularity involving expensive medicines meant for cancer patients under the government’s Asadhya Yojana.
In that case, three contractual staff members posted at the Urology Department’s medicine counter have been removed and barred from leaving Lucknow pending the inquiry.
The cancer drug probe was launched after officials detected a sudden rise in medicine expenditure, from around Rs 10 lakh per month in late 2025 to nearly Rs 45 lakh by March 2026.
Investigators suspect irregularities involving medicines worth nearly Rs 2 crore and are examining records related to prescriptions, medicine distribution and patient treatment.
University authorities have said strict action, including recovery of losses, termination of services and criminal proceedings, will be initiated against anyone found guilty.
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