Delhi's multi-crore health scam: Doctor held, 100 more under lens, files missing

The ACB arrested former CPA Head of Office Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga in the alleged Delhi health procurement scam. The case has widened to missing files, disputed tenders and scrutiny of more than 100 doctors and officials.

In Short

• Investigators are examining purchases of X-ray units, ORS and surgical consumables
• Officials suspect tender rules and specifications were tailored to favour suppliers
• Missing procurement files were allegedly found under Dr Ranga's control

The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has made its first major arrest in the alleged multi-crore Central Procurement Agency (CPA) scam involving the Delhi government's health department, with investigators now expanding the probe to examine the role of more than 100 doctors and officials linked to the procurement process.

Former CPA Head of Office Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga, who was earlier associated with the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), was arrested on June 18 in connection with alleged irregularities in the procurement of medicines, surgical items, consumables and medical equipment. The arrest followed an investigation initiated on the basis of a complaint received from the Delhi government's vigilance department.

WHAT IS THE CASE ABOUT?

According to the ACB, the investigation relates to alleged large-scale irregularities in the procurement process carried out by the CPA, the agency responsible for purchasing medicines, medical equipment and hospital supplies for government healthcare institutions in Delhi.

Investigators suspect that procurement rules were manipulated to benefit select suppliers and that some purchases may have been made at prices significantly higher than prevailing market rates, resulting in potential losses to the government exchequer.

PURCHASES UNDER THE SCANNER

The probe covers several major procurement orders, including portable X-ray machines, C-arm radiological machines, anaesthesia workstations, bed linen, ORS, medicines, surgical consumables and other medical equipment.

The ACB is examining how technical specifications were drafted, how prices were determined and whether tender conditions were designed to limit competition and favour particular companies.

MISSING FILES TRIGGER DEEPER PROBE

A crucial aspect of the investigation involves procurement-related files that were allegedly missing from official records.

According to investigators, important files related to the purchase of medical equipment, medicines and hospital supplies were not available in departmental records and were allegedly found to be under the control of Dr Ranga.

Officials said he was unable to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the missing documents during questioning. He was produced before a court on June 19, which granted four days of police custody for further interrogation.

OVER 100 DOCTORS, OFFICIALS MAY FACE SCRUTINY

Sources associated with the investigation said the case is unlikely to be limited to a single officer.

The procurement process involved multiple committees, including the Specifications Committee, GeM Bid Formation Committee, Pre-Qualification Evaluation Committee, Technical Evaluation Committee and Price Bid Evaluation Committee.

These committees comprised department heads, senior specialists, professors and junior faculty members from various government hospitals and medical colleges. Investigators are now examining the role of officials involved in framing specifications, evaluating bids and approving purchases.

Sources indicated that more than 100 doctors and officials could come under the scanner as the probe progresses, although no formal action has yet been initiated against any other individual.

CM RECOMMENDS TRANSFER OF 39 DOCTORS

Amid the ongoing investigation, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday recommended the transfer of 39 doctors to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

According to the Chief Minister's Office, the recommendation covers doctors who have served in Tihar and Mandoli jails for five years or more. The list includes both specialist doctors and General Duty Medical Officers (GDMOs).

Official records indicate that several of these doctors have remained posted at the same location since 2014, with some serving for more than 11 years.

The proposal also calls for the deployment of around 35 doctors to replace them.

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