Fresh details have emerged in the alleged Delhi government medical procurement scam, with the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) claiming that portable X-ray machines were purchased at substantially inflated prices and that 10 crucial procurement files are missing.

According to the chargesheet, a tender initially floated for two X-ray machines allegedly resulted in an order for 448 machines. Each unit was reportedly purchased at ₹37.8 lakh, compared with a stated price of ₹14.9 lakh, including taxes, at which the manufacturer had supplied the machines to other government departments.

The ACB has estimated a wrongful loss of approximately ₹842 crore to the public exchequer through the alleged procurement irregularities. The case involves purchases made through the Central Procurement Agency (CPA), the nodal body responsible for procuring medicines, vaccines and medical equipment for Delhi government hospitals and healthcare facilities.

The investigation has also raised concerns over the disappearance of 10 key procurement files. These records reportedly contained details of departments and officials who initiated purchase demands, framed tender specifications, and conducted technical and financial evaluations. Their absence has reportedly complicated the investigation into how the procurement decisions were processed.

The chargesheet, filed on September 16, names three public servants and two companies. The ACB has alleged that tender conditions were manipulated to favour selected suppliers. A court has taken cognisance of the chargesheet; however, the allegations are yet to be established through trial, and no conviction has been reported.

The case has brought renewed attention to transparency, competitive bidding, documentation and price oversight in public healthcare procurement. The outcome of the investigation could have wider implications for accountability in the purchase of medical equipment and essential supplies for government health facilities.

By MedGate Bureau