Delhi Govt suspends 2 doctors amid alleged procurement irregularities probe
Delhi LG orders suspension of two doctors over health procurement irregularities
New Delhi: Following the investigation into alleged financial irregularities in the procurement of medicines and medical equipment by the Delhi government's Health Department, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has suspended two government doctors, according to an official order.
The action follows the Delhi government's decision to take suo motu cognisance of the matter after suspected irregularities were detected in the purchase of medicines, X-ray machines, and other medical equipment. Authorities have also directed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) to facilitate a detailed probe.
According to officials, the suspended doctors include the former Director General of Health Services (DGHS) and the former head of the office at BJRM Hospital. Their alleged roles in the irregularities are currently under examination. The Vigilance Branch of the Health and Family Welfare Department said disciplinary proceedings had been proposed against them, leading to their suspension
“The Delhi government has taken suo motu cognisance of financial irregularities in the health department. In this matter, instructions have been issued to register an FIR and suspend two doctors. No compromise will be made with the zero-tolerance policy against corruption. The investigation into the matter is ongoing, and every individual involved will be identified, brought within the ambit of the law, and ensured strict punishment,” a post on X by the Delhi government read, reports Hindustan Times.
In an order issued on Tuesday, Sanjeev Kumar, special secretary (Health and Family Welfare), stated that the LG exercised powers under the CCS (CCA) rules, 1965, also known as the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) rules, to suspend the two doctors with immediate effect, according to a Hindustan Times report.
The probe also extends to the Central Procurement Agency (CPA), the Delhi government's sole purchasing body responsible for procuring medicines, medical equipment, surgical consumables, and other essential healthcare supplies for government hospitals and healthcare facilities.
As per PTI, during the suspension period, both doctors will have Delhi as their headquarters and will not be allowed to leave without obtaining prior permission from the competent authority, the orders stated. They will also be entitled to a subsistence allowance under Fundamental Rule 53, subject to furnishing the prescribed certificate that they are not engaged in any other employment, profession or business for remuneration.
The development comes weeks after the former DGHS approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) in May, challenging an earlier Delhi government order that transferred her from the DGHS post and placed her under "awaiting posting" status without assigning a new role.
In her petition, she alleged that the transfer was punitive and arbitrary, claiming it was linked to a vigilance inspection conducted within the health department. According to the plea, vigilance officials sought procurement-related records concerning medicines, surgical items, and medical equipment on May 18 and 19.
The petition stated that the doctor fully cooperated with the vigilance team by providing available records and requesting duplicate "shadow files" to ensure continuity in patient care and procurement activities. Her counsel argued that despite this cooperation, she was removed from the DGHS post shortly after the inspection exercise.
Also Read:India Spent Over Rs 1.6 Lakh Crore on Medicines in 2022-2023, Reveals NHA Report
