“10 Arrested in Delhi for Supplying Sub-Standard Equipment to Hospitals: ACB Investigation Reveals Fraud”

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Delhi Hospitals Supplied With Sub-Standard Equipments, Confirmed Deliveries Before Arrival; 10 Held: Cops (Representational Image)

Photo: Times Now

Several individuals have been apprehended by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) in Delhi for their alleged involvement in supplying sub-standard items to state-run hospitals in the national capital. Startlingly, official documents from these hospitals have revealed that the items were confirmed to have been received even before they were delivered.

“During the investigation, connivance of doctors, officials, and hospital storekeepers with these suppliers surfaced,” said ACB chief Madhur Verma, as quoted by Times of India.

According to the information available, the accused manufacturers and suppliers had fabricated receipts of items, as prescribed by health officials, even for the supply of substandard items or in cases where there was a shortage or non-delivery. Additionally, laboratory owners allegedly produced counterfeit reports about the poor quality of items supplied to them.

Alleged Fraud Suspected During Vigilance Checks

The alleged fraud came to light when health officials conducted regular checks at six hospitals, including LBS, DDU, and GTB, in August last year. The vigilance wing of the health department collected samples from these hospitals and sent them to government-approved labs.

Upon testing, all the sampled items, such as cotton bandages, absorbent cotton, rolled bandages, infusion sets, latex examination gloves, and rolled bandages, were found to be substandard or failed the quality test. This prompted the vigilance department to take action and file complaints with the ACB, leading to the registration of an FIR on January 5.

The investigation revealed that the accused individuals allegedly utilized the GeM portal to supply these items. However, the prescribed items were expected to be accompanied by certificates from government-approved laboratories.

14 Firms Raided So Far

The ACB conducted inspections at 14 firms suspected to be involved in this case. During the investigation, several laptops and documents were seized, and the representatives were interrogated. “Investigation revealed that government officials intentionally avoided obtaining the required lab reports and licenses as mentioned in the GeM contract order. In some instances, the supplier mentioned license numbers that did not belong to either him or the manufacturer,” added the ACB chief.

Authorities further revealed that these items were purchased from local shops and then sent to desired laboratories to obtain fake approval.

Despite the ongoing investigation, fraudulent activities continued to take place within the hospital. The individuals arrested included manufacturers, suppliers, and pharmacists, while efforts are underway to apprehend others involved. The arrested individuals have been identified as Hemant Joshi, Arjinder Pal Singh, Kapil Makhija, Rajesh Malhotra, Rahul Chaurasiya, Kamaldeep Singh, Shekhar, Harneet Singh Bindra, Shahid, and Bipin Pathak.

The police informed that Harshit Joshi, the owner of a firm in Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar, was supposed to supply approximately 49,000 handloom-rolled bandages. He placed the order with a Noida-based manufacturer who did not possess the required license.