CBI ordered to investigate 'substandard' medicines at Delhi government hospitals
text_fieldsNew Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to conduct an inquiry into the matter of alleged 'substandard' medicines being used at the mohalla clinics in Delhi under the AAP-led government's flagship healthcare initiative.
This decision comes after Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended a CBI probe into suspected fake pathology and radiology tests conducted at these clinics.
Allegations suggest that a significant number of tests were performed on "ghost patients," possibly aiding private laboratories in the city. Reports from sources within the L-G's office indicated payments made to private labs for purported fake tests, indicating a potential scam affecting the city's less privileged citizens, supposedly amounting to hundreds of crores.
Claims from the L-G's office further mentioned instances where non-medical or unauthorised staff reportedly prescribed medications and tests in the absence of doctors. Attendance records allegedly showed doctors marking attendance via pre-recorded videos. The health department accused the clinics of using fake mobile numbers for patient registration and conducting questionable laboratory tests, with evidence of duplicated mobile numbers, indicating the potential of fake lab tests being conducted.
Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj and AAP leader criticised the BJP-led Centre for allegedly protecting its appointed health secretary. Bhardwaj highlighted previous attempts to inspect mohalla clinics, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of action taken despite ordering surprise inspections last year.
"I requested the health secretary again on 12.06.2023 for an explanation from officials who have not initiated mohalla clinic inspections. No action was taken by the health secretary. Will the BJP government continue to shield its appointed health secretary?" Bharadwaj questioned on X (formerly Twitter).
In response, Delhi BJP leader Harish Khurana condemned the AAP-led government, pointing fingers at alleged corruption within various departments. Khurana emphasised concerns over the reported 'fake lab test' scandal, accusing AAP leaders of jeopardising the well-being of Delhi's underprivileged residents.
The Union Home Ministry's decision to involve the CBI underscores the gravity of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation into the functioning of the mohalla clinics in Delhi.