Bhubaneswar, Aug. 29 -- Patients using Ayushman cards have alleged being charged for treatment at private hospitals despite being eligible for cashless healthcare, while some were allegedly admitted even when hospitalisation was not required. The allegations come amid irregularities flagged by the Odisha Health Department at Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital in Bhubaneswar.

The findings include alleged irregularities in billing, treatment and patient admission, including cases where OPD patients were allegedly admitted as IPD patients and patients were allegedly charged for medicines despite cashless treatment provisions.

According to the findings, consent was allegedly obtained from some patients after they had been...