KGMU Suspends Pharmacist, Seeks Criminal Action Over Alleged Rs 45 Lakh Medicine Procurement Irregularities
New Delhi: King George's Medical University (KGMU) has suspended a pharmacist posted at the local purchase counter of its urology department and initiated criminal proceedings against him after an inquiry into alleged irregularities in medicine procurement under the Asadhya Yojana, a government-funded scheme that provides free treatment to economically weaker patients suffering from critical illnesses.
Concerns were raised after medicine procurement expenditure under the scheme surged to nearly ₹45 lakh in a single month, significantly higher than the usual spending levels. A scrutiny of records allegedly revealed repeated purchases of expensive medicines, including cancer drugs, protein supplements and iron supplements, in the names of around 40 patients, prompting the university administration to order an investigation.
According to the news reported by Hindustan Times, KGMU removed the head of its urology department from his administrative post, suspended a pharmacist, and terminated the services of three outsourced employees following findings of alleged financial misconduct related to medicine purchases under the scheme.
The university has also initiated steps to recover the allegedly misappropriated funds from the outsourcing agency involved and has lodged a police complaint seeking criminal action against the accused individuals.
KGMU spokesperson Dr. K.K. Singh stated that Dr. Apul Goel, who was serving as the head of the urology department, was relieved of his administrative responsibilities due to alleged negligence in supervising the scheme and monitoring departmental operations. He has been transferred to another department while the investigation continues to ensure an unbiased inquiry.
Meanwhile, Dr. H.S. Pahwa from the Department of General Surgery has been assigned the additional charge of acting head of the urology department.
The university also terminated the contracts of three outsourced employees—identified as P. Singh, H. Srivastava, and S. Tiwari—for their alleged role in the irregularities. A formal police complaint has been filed against them.
In addition, Arshad Wasi, a regular pharmacist posted at the urology department’s local purchase counter, has been suspended, and the university has sought criminal proceedings against him as well.
University officials revealed that the urology department had typically been purchasing medicines worth around ₹10 lakh per month under the Asadhya Yojana. However, spending under the scheme reportedly increased sharply in recent months, reaching three to four times the usual level.
Authorities noted that medicine procurement expenses rose to nearly ₹45 lakh in the previous month, prompting concerns within the administration. A review of records allegedly uncovered repeated purchases of high-cost medicines, including cancer treatments, protein supplements, and iron supplements, in the names of approximately 40 patients.
The inquiry further found that several of these patients had allegedly been recorded as admitted multiple times in official documents, raising suspicions of fraudulent procurement practices and misuse of public funds.
Following the discovery of the suspected irregularities, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Soniya Nityanand constituted a five-member committee to investigate the matter. The panel submitted its findings on Monday, after which disciplinary and legal actions were initiated against those held responsible. KGMU has indicated that additional action may be taken depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigation. The university is also pursuing measures to recover the financial losses allegedly incurred due to the fraudulent activities, reports The Hindustan Times.
