HIMCARE irregularities: SIT questions Former IGMC Medical Superintendent
Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has questioned a former senior medical superintendent of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, in connection with an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the implementation and processing of claims under the Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care (HIMCARE) Scheme.
The questioning was conducted as part of a state government-directed inquiry into the handling of HIMCARE claims at IGMC Shimla. Investigators are examining the role of officials and other stakeholders involved in implementing, supervising, verifying, generating and processing claims under the scheme.
The preliminary inquiry reportedly found several issues requiring further investigation. The probe has also raised concerns over the hospital’s procurement and tendering practices.
According to the investigation, the tendering and procurement process at IGMC had not been comprehensively reviewed after 2018. Investigators have also found instances of allegedly higher rates and are examining how these rates continued to be applied.
The former senior medical superintendent was questioned for nearly three hours regarding matters related to his tenure at IGMC. The SIT examined issues concerning his administrative, supervisory and financial responsibilities during the period.
According to the vigilance team, the former official did not provide complete answers to several questions. Investigators said some responses were unclear or could not be immediately verified, while on certain matters falling within the senior medical superintendent’s supervisory responsibilities, he reportedly said he did not have the relevant information.
Following the questioning, the SIT issued a detailed questionnaire seeking specific information and explanations. The former official has sought one week to submit his written response, according to the investigation team.
The inquiry is also examining IGMC Shimla’s procurement and financial records to determine why higher rates allegedly continued in some cases and whether any officials or other stakeholders can be held responsible. The preliminary inquiry found that the hospital’s tendering and procurement process had not been comprehensively reviewed after 2018, adding another dimension to the investigation into the alleged HIMCARE irregularities.
According to Hindustan Times, “During questioning, he was confronted with specific issues relating to the period during which he functioned as senior medical superintendent and the supervisory, administrative and financial responsibilities attached to that office. However, he did not fully cooperate with the investigating team during the questioning. His replies to several material questions were evasive, vague and lacking in specific particulars capable of immediate verification. On a number of issues concerning matters falling within the supervisory domain of the senior medical superintendent, he expressed lack of knowledge or did not furnish a clear and specific explanation”, said a statement issued by the SIT.
The SIT continues to examine procurement documents, financial records, and HIMCARE-related claims to determine how the alleged irregularities occurred and whether any specific officials or other stakeholders bear responsibility.
