Healthcare News

The Delhi High Court has granted regular bail to two former senior health department officials in an alleged corruption case involving the procurement of medical equipment, medicines and hospital supplies for government hospitals in Delhi. The decision marks an important development in the ongoing Delhi DGHS Procurement Scam, which is being investigated by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

Justice Sachin Datta passed the order on November 6, granting bail to former Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr Vatsala Aggarwal and former Central Procurement Agency head Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga. Both officials had been arrested in June 2026 in connection with the alleged irregularities.

Delhi High Court Explains Its Bail Decision

While considering the bail applications, the court noted that investigators had already seized a substantial portion of the official records relevant to the case. It observed that the remaining investigation, including examination of financial transactions, forensic reports and the involvement of other individuals, did not independently justify keeping the accused in custody.

The prosecution opposed bail, describing the matter as a major economic offence involving an alleged loss of approximately ₹842 crore in public funds. It also raised concerns regarding certain missing tender documents and mobile phones.

However, the court observed that the continued non-recovery of the missing files could not be used as a reason for indefinite pre-trial detention. It further noted that the trial could take considerable time, as charges were yet to be framed and additional investigation remained pending.

Portable X-Ray Machine Procurement Under Investigation

One of the significant transactions under scrutiny involves the purchase of 448 portable X-ray machines for Delhi government hospitals.

According to the prosecution’s allegations, the manufacturer had quoted ₹14.92 lakh plus GST per machine, while the supplier firm, F-Med Devices, allegedly charged the government ₹37.8 lakh per unit.

The ACB has alleged that a person identified as Rajiv Kumar, also known as Rajiv Rangeela, operated multiple firms using other individuals’ names and allegedly manipulated tender processes to secure government supply contracts with assistance from public servants.

These allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.

Bail Conditions Imposed on Both Former Officials

The High Court directed the release of both applicants on furnishing personal bonds of ₹50,000 each, along with one surety of an equivalent amount.

The court also imposed restrictions, including surrendering their passports, obtaining permission before travelling outside Delhi-NCR or abroad, and cooperating with the investigation. They have also been prohibited from entering DGHS and Central Procurement Agency premises without prior court permission or contacting prosecution witnesses and officials.

Earlier, the trial court had rejected their bail applications on October 17.

The Delhi DGHS Procurement Scam continues to raise important questions about transparency, financial accountability and oversight in public healthcare procurement. The ongoing investigation is expected to examine the alleged tender irregularities and the financial transactions involved in supplying medical equipment to government hospitals.

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By MedGate Bureau