Allegations of Fake Tests Scam Plague AAP’s Mohalla Clinics in Delhi

New Delhi, January 04, 2024 : The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and its flagship healthcare initiative, the Mohalla Clinics in Delhi, are facing fresh scrutiny following allegations of a “fake tests scam.” The clinics, central to the AAP’s welfare model, are accused of ordering and conducting numerous “fake” lab tests, adding to the troubles the party is already navigating with substandard medicines and summons from the Enforcement Directorate.

Key Points:

1. Mohalla Clinics Under Scanner: The Mohalla Clinics, designed to provide free primary healthcare to Delhi residents, are now under investigation for allegedly conducting hundreds of “fake” pathology and radiology tests.
2. Magnitude of Alleged Scam: Sources suggest that the alleged scam involving fake tests runs into hundreds of crores of rupees. The clinics reportedly ordered these tests on non-existent patients, pointing to significant fraudulent practices.
3. Registration Irregularities: The Delhi Lt Governor’s office revealed that the clinics used fake and non-existent mobile numbers for patient registrations. Duplications of phone numbers were also reported, with payments made to private labs referred by the Mohalla Clinics.
4. CBI Probe Requested: Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into corruption allegations against the Mohalla Clinics. This follows investigations by the Delhi government’s Vigilance and Health Departments into lab tests outsourced to private diagnostic centers.
5. Political Responses: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized the AAP government, expressing suspicions over the Mohalla Clinics’ integrity. Meanwhile, AAP defended its welfare scheme, demanding the dismissal of the Delhi health secretary over various issues.
6. AAP’s Response: Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj addressed the allegations in a press conference, emphasizing that the Mohalla Clinic operates independently. He highlighted actions taken against wrongdoings, including the removal of 26 individuals, including doctors and staff, involved in misconduct.

As investigations unfold, the allegations pose a significant challenge to the credibility of the Mohalla Clinics, a key aspect of the AAP’s healthcare initiatives in Delhi. The call for a CBI probe reflects the gravity of the situation, and further developments will be closely monitored.

It is noteworthy that the Aam Aadmi Party is currently grappling with a major turmoil, with several leaders detained in connection with the liquor scam. AAP Chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has skipped the Enforcement Directorate’s summons for the third time regarding the scam. In these challenging times, the emergence of a new scam threatens to further damage the reputation of the AAP. The party’s ability to address these issues and maintain public trust remains a significant concern amidst these multiple controversies.