Delhi Govt suspends 5 pharmacists, 2 officials over drug procurement lapses
The Delhi Government suspended five pharmacists and two officials with immediate effect following inspections at Central Procurement Agency (CPA) stores that exposed serious irregularities, negligence, and administrative lapses. The action was taken after the investigation revealed serious irregularities and lapses in the procurement, storage and management of medicines.
Earlier, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a money laundering case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with an alleged `600 crore Delhi health procurement scam.
The case stems from allegations of large-scale irregularities in the procurement of medicines, surgical items, consumables, and medical equipment by the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
The probe was initiated after the Directorate of Vigilance referred a complaint to the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Delhi Government.
According to chief minister Rekha Gupta, corruption and administrative negligence will not be tolerated in the Government under any circumstances.
The chief minister reiterated that the Delhi Government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and will not tolerate corruption, negligence or irregularities at any level of the administration. She said that ensuring accountability in matters concerning public interest is the Government’s highest priority, and strict action will continue against any officer or employee found guilty.
During its initial investigation, the ACB examined procurement records and found that key files related to multiple procurements were not produced. The records reportedly included documents linked to portable X-ray machines, C-Arm equipment, anaesthesia workstations, ORS supplies, surgical consumables, medicines, and linen procurement.
The items reportedly procured at inflated prices include portable X-ray machines, C-Arm radiological equipment, anaesthesia workstations, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), bed sheets, linen, surgical consumables, and medicines.
Investigators alleged that these files were in the personal custody of the former Head of Office of the Central Procurement Agency. According to the ACB, he failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding missing records, prompting the agency to seek custodial interrogation to recover documents, identify co-conspirators, and trace alleged financial transactions.
Amid allegations of irregularities in procurement of medicines, the Delhi Government has earlier suspended former DGHS and former head of office at the BJRM Hospital, according to official orders.
Following these developments, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta recommended registration of FIRs against two more doctors in the case. The matter is also being probed separately by the Directorate of Vigilance.
