Medical reimbursement scam rocks BSNL
A huge scam in medical reimbursement, running into lakhs
of rupees, has come to light in BSNL division of East Godavari
district.
The misuse of the provision was found in
Circle Vigilance and the inspection of the branch audits in each
district with East Godavari topping the list. After preliminary
findings, the chief general manager, Telecom, AP Circle, Hyderabad, has
sent a confidential circular to all general managers, asking them to
look into the issues that emerged from the inspections.
It
was observed that medical reimbursement claims of the employees with
vouchers have not been properly checked and the precautions not taken
while processing or passing the claims. The GMS have been asked to take
stringent action on bogus medical claims. In the case of East Godavari,
it was found that 10 to 15 per cent of the employees were claiming
medical reimbursement with bogus claims. A medical practitioner said
some employees force doctors or even bribe them to issue certificates
for diseases such as lumbago, a common musculoskeletal disorder,
dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB), TB and PUO (pyrexia of unknown
origin-viral fever) which do not require surgery. But, the cost of
treatment of these diseases is high and, in some cases. hospitalisation
is required.
A pharmacist owning a shop on the main
road said the practice is common. “Some employees of BSNL, ONGC and GAIL
make bogus claims. We get 20 per cent of the total claim, but take all
precautions while issuing bills,” he added.
When
contacted, BSNL general manager G. Raghavendra Rao said he had issued an
internal circular of the same nature -- which the circle office has now
given -- three months ago and inquiry into the claims is under way.
There are some bogus claims, but a clear picture will emerge only after
the inquiry, he added.
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