PMJAY Scheme: Medical camps allowed in Gujarat two weeks after ban but conditions apply

However, if such camps are organised, the hospitals would be subjected to newly-introduced procedures and regulatory measures.

A senior official said that stricter regulations were important to make sure that the camps do not become a “money-making” means that can be used to abuse the scheme, which is the largest public sector health insurance scheme in the world.

The notification states that “the hospital must take permission from the Chief District Health Officer (CDHO) before holding such a camp, and only if such permission is granted.” Notably, earlier such camps were conducted at the whim of hospitals wherever and whenever they so wished, with the help of village level officials.

The notification issued in the name of Health Commissioner Harshad Patel, who is also the ex-officio CEO of the AB-PMJAY-MA scheme in Gujarat, also underlines that all medical and social data gleaned from the screening camp must be shared with the district health administration. These include the number of persons who attended the camp, doctors and their qualifications, primary medical diagnosis of all patients who attended the camp, and how many of the camp attendees are PMJAY beneficiaries.

Further, the hospital will also have to inform the Health Department if any of the camp attendees require medical treatment within three months of the camp having been conducted. At least one taluka-level health officer has to be present for the entire duration of the medical camp. In follow up treatment at the hospital, if there is any adverse impact with any camp attendee, the hospital will have to notify the district and state health departments.

The notification makes it clear that if, before or during the camp, there is any sort of coercion, false information or luring of patients, which forces them to visit the hospital for a follow up check-up, the state reserves the right to initiate strict action, suspension from the scheme as well as legal prosecution of the hospital.