Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has revoked the suspension of Dr Syed Maqbool Ahmad Shah, Associate Professor of Cardiology at Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, nearly four months after he was suspended over allegations linked to cardiac procedures and claims under the PMJAY-SEHAT health insurance scheme.
According to an order issued by the Health and Medical Education Department, Dr Shah has been reinstated in service with immediate effect and directed to report to his original place of posting at GMC Jammu.
The order states that the suspension was revoked under Rule 31(3) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, following recommendations of the Suspension Review Committee.
However, the government clarified that the revocation of suspension does not amount to closure of the departmental proceedings initiated against him.
“The period of suspension shall be decided separately upon conclusion of the departmental proceedings in accordance with the applicable service rules,” the order states.
Dr Shah was placed under suspension on June 20 this year after allegations surfaced during scrutiny of cardiac procedures and reimbursement claims submitted under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY)-SEHAT scheme at GMC Anantnag.
According to the departmental proceedings, a review by the State Anti-Fraud Unit (SAFU) allegedly found discrepancies between entries uploaded on the Transaction Management System and records maintained in the Cath Lab Procedure Register at GMC Anantnag.
The inquiry also examined 103 cases billed under the Dual Chamber Pacemaker Implantation package, with investigators alleging that the procedures performed were Left Bundle Branch Area Pacing (LBBAP).
The matter was later reviewed by experts from the Department of Cardiology at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, who examined 55 selected cases. According to the inquiry findings cited in the order, questions were raised about the medical indication for the procedure in 27 cases, with nearly half of the reviewed patients reportedly having normal left ventricular function.
The allegations remain under investigation and no final findings have been announced.
At the time, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo had said the government had ordered an inquiry and that action would be taken against anyone found responsible after completion of the investigation.
Dr Shah had denied the allegations, describing them as fabricated and maintaining that the departmental inquiry was still underway and had not reached any conclusion.