28,000 Disability Certificates Issued in 20 Years to Be Audited; Fake Certificates Could Cost Jobs

Ghaziabad: The Health Department in Ghaziabad has launched an investigation into disability certificates issued over the past two decades, following reports of fraudulent certifications being used to secure government jobs and benefits. Nearly 28,000 certificates issued in the last 20 years will be reviewed. Individuals found with fake certificates will not only lose their government employment but also face legal action, including recovery of benefits obtained through the false document.

Focus on Specific Disabilities
According to officials, certificates claiming vision, hearing, or ENT-related disabilities will be examined closely. A medical review team has been formed under the supervision of Nodal Officer Anwar Ansari.

“The department issues disability certificates only after thorough medical examinations and counseling,” said Ansari. “However, we have received complaints that some individuals obtained fraudulent certificates to gain government jobs and access welfare schemes.”

Scope of the Audit
Certificates issued after 2005 are under review. Special attention will be given to cases involving visual and hearing impairments, speech difficulties, post-accident disabilities, and mental illnesses. Some complaints suggest that individuals with 33% disability were falsely issued certificates showing 50–55% disability.

The audit will involve verification of applicants’ medical reports, recommendations from medical boards, and supporting documents.

How Certificates Are Issued
Every Monday, a team of doctors at the district hospital conducts comprehensive medical examinations before issuing disability certificates. The board typically includes mental health specialists, ophthalmologists, orthopedists, ENT specialists, general physicians, and a head doctor. Certificates are intended to help disabled individuals access government welfare schemes, but some have misused the system by submitting fraudulent documents.

Online System and Legal Action
Since 2015, disability certificates in Ghaziabad have been issued online. Following reports of fake cases, the department has begun re-verifying eligibility for all certificates. The Nodal Officer has been instructed to ensure strict legal action against any individual confirmed to have obtained jobs or benefits using fraudulent certificates. Verification will involve medical board recommendations, document authenticity, and confirmation of actual disability.