• Source:JND

Jagran Correspondent, New Delhi: A major alleged irregularity exceeding Rs 650 crore has surfaced in the procurement of medicines and medical equipment by the Delhi Government’s Central Procurement Agency (CPA).

Acting on a complaint from the Vigilance Directorate, the Delhi Government’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has registered an FIR under multiple provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. The case has been filed following directions from the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister.

The investigation concerns alleged irregularities in the purchase of medicines, medical equipment, hospital linen, X-ray machines, and anaesthesia-related equipment for government hospitals.

Missing Tender Files Raise Serious Concerns

During an earlier raid conducted by the Vigilance Directorate at the CPA office, several key tender-related files were found missing. Officials allege that multiple items were procured at significantly inflated prices compared to prevailing market rates, allegedly causing losses worth hundreds of crores to the public exchequer.

In a subsequent raid at the CPA office in Shakarpur, a large number of files were seized. However, several crucial tender documents remained untraceable.

Documents related to purchases of C-arm machines, portable X-ray units, anaesthesia stations, medicines, and hospital linen were reportedly missing.

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Transfers After Irregularities Flagged

According to ACB sources, the procurement in question took place during the tenure of then Head of Office Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga.

Despite repeated requests from Dr. Anjana Kaushal, chairperson of a vigilance-constituted committee, the missing files were not submitted. Even after a formal inspection of CPA lockers in the presence of officials, the documents could not be recovered.

Following the seriousness of the allegations, around 40 doctors and staff members including Director of Health Services Dr. Vatsala Agrawal and Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga have been transferred to ensure an impartial investigation.

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Allegations of Systemic Lapses

The Health Department had earlier directed all government hospitals and dispensaries to route procurement requirements through CPA via a centralized portal, prohibiting direct purchases. This centralization placed complete control over procurement with CPA, which is now under scrutiny for alleged misuse of the system in issuing tenders.

Allegations of Favoritism in Appointments

Some doctors have alleged that the then Special Health Secretary, Tapsya Raghav, appointed preferred officials to key positions, consolidating influence over the procurement process. It is further alleged that several previously stalled tenders were later cleared in an expedited manner.

ACB Questioning and Notices Issued

The ACB has conducted extensive questioning of officials and doctors at the DGHS building in Shakarpur. So far, notices have been issued to around 10 doctors, 35 employees, and outsourced staff, directing them to join the investigation into procurement-related irregularities.

Several individuals have already been interrogated. The agency has warned that any attempt to obstruct the investigation or conceal documents will attract strict departmental action.

The probe is currently focused on reconstructing the procurement trail, including tender approvals, payment records, and the chain of missing documents to establish accountability.

( By Rakesh Kumar Singh )


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