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UP Ayushman Card Fraud: After the shocking discovery of over 450 fake Ayushman Bharat cards in Uttar Pradesh, the state government has shifted the approval process entirely to the State Agency for Comprehensive Health and Integrated Services (SACHIS). From now on, approvals for new Ayushman cards can only be processed through computers located inside SACHIS offices. This means that no external computer systems will have access to approve or verify new cards, strengthening data security and reducing the risk of manipulation. The move marks a significant step towards restoring credibility to the state’s health insurance program, which has faced criticism over data breaches and misuse of public health funds.

New Security Protocols and Verification Systems
According to SACHIS CEO Archana Verma, several new digital safety layers have been implemented to prevent further fraud attempts. The first involves tightening system security to make the approval platform resistant to unauthorized logins or hacking attempts. Each system’s IP address tracking mechanism has been activated, ensuring that the source of every approval request can be traced instantly if any suspicious activity occurs.

The second major change is mandatory biometric verification. Every Ayushman card must now be issued only after the beneficiary completes fingerprint or facial recognition authentication. This measure ensures that no fake identities can be used to generate cards. Additionally, the use of Aadhaar e-KYC has been made compulsory, linking every card directly to verified government identification data. These steps are aimed at creating a foolproof digital health verification network that guarantees transparency and accountability.

Two-Tier Claim and Treatment Verification
In addition to securing the card creation process, the government has also overhauled the claim verification system for hospitals and patients. The first level of claim verification will be handled by a central government-appointed agency that reviews every treatment case submitted under the scheme. Once this verification is completed, the second level of scrutiny will be performed by SACHIS medical officers, ensuring medical accuracy and preventing inflated or fake treatment claims.

Moreover, to maintain fairness, the rule of “first claim, first approval” has been introduced. This helps prevent any bias or preference in processing patient claims. Hospitals are also required to upload a photograph of the doctor with the patient at the time of treatment. This step not only validates that the patient actually received care but also serves as digital proof during audits and verifications.

AI-Driven Fraud Detection Mechanism
The National Health Authority (NHA) has adopted artificial intelligence-based software to monitor irregularities within the Ayushman Bharat scheme. This software analyzes data patterns and instantly flags any unusual activity—such as multiple claims from one patient or duplicate card usage. The reports generated by the National Anti-Fraud Unit (NAFU) are shared with the State Anti-Fraud Unit (SAFU), which then conducts on-ground verification across districts.

SACHIS CEO Archana Verma mentioned that these AI-driven inspections are already yielding results by identifying fake beneficiaries and exposing hospitals involved in fraudulent claims. Through this integrated verification and fraud detection framework, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to ensure that every eligible citizen receives genuine healthcare benefits without compromise or corruption.

Conclusion
The centralization of Ayushman card approvals under SACHIS represents a major leap towards digital transparency and public trust in Uttar Pradesh’s healthcare infrastructure. By integrating biometric verification, Aadhaar e-KYC, AI-based fraud detection, and a strict two-level claim process, the government has created a multi-layered security system. This ensures that the Ayushman Bharat scheme continues to benefit genuine citizens while eliminating misuse. The decisive actions taken after the exposure of over 450 fake cards underline the state’s commitment to maintaining integrity in public health services.