India investigates Chhattisgarh ‘womb removal insurance scam’ – BBC News – July 17, 2012

“India’s Chhattisgarh state is investigating reports that thousands of women had unnecessary hysterectomies so hospitals could make insurance claims.

“They were carried out under a national insurance scheme whereby private hospitals claim for treating patients who cannot afford expensive procedures….

“Estimates say that more than 7,000 women may have been operated on over the last 30 months, and the state opposition says more than 50,000 women have received hysterectomies in Chhattisgarh over the last five years.

“According to the reports being investigated by the government, poor women from remote areas approached nursing homes with ordinary medical issues. They were then allegedly “scared” by doctors into having surgery after being warned that they would contract cancer if their wombs were not removed…”