Health Scam – AAP Levels Serious Procurement Irregularity Charges Against Delhi Administration
Health Scam – The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the Delhi administration of major financial irregularities in the purchase of medicines and medical equipment, alleging that changes in procurement procedures led to a loss of nearly Rs 650 crore. The party claimed that the revised system enabled inflated purchases of essential healthcare items and demanded accountability over the alleged misuse of public funds.
AAP Questions Procurement Policy Changes
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Delhi AAP president and former Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the government altered the existing procurement framework in a manner that weakened financial oversight. According to him, hospitals earlier had the authority to independently purchase medicines and medical equipment based on their requirements. However, these powers were later transferred to the Central Procurement Agency, which, he claimed, centralized purchasing decisions and created opportunities for irregularities.
Bharadwaj argued that the shift in responsibility removed the flexibility available to hospitals while increasing the possibility of inflated procurement costs. He said the revised process requires greater scrutiny to determine whether public money was spent appropriately.
Claims of Inflated Prices for Medical Equipment
Highlighting specific examples, Bharadwaj alleged that several medical devices were purchased at prices significantly higher than their prevailing market value. He claimed that portable X-ray machines, which are generally available for nearly Rs 10 lakh, were reportedly procured at approximately Rs 33 lakh per unit.
He further alleged that C-arm radiological imaging systems, commonly used during surgical procedures, were acquired at around Rs 1.10 crore each despite their estimated market cost being close to Rs 25 lakh. According to the AAP leader, these examples indicate substantial differences between standard market prices and the amounts allegedly paid during procurement.
Questions Raised Over Medicine Purchases
The party also questioned the pricing of basic medical supplies. Bharadwaj alleged that Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets, which are commonly available for nearly Rs 2.50 each, were purchased at approximately Rs 15 per packet.
He maintained that such pricing differences, if verified, could point to serious lapses in the procurement process. The AAP leader called for a detailed examination of purchase records and contracts to establish whether procurement norms were followed and whether government funds were used efficiently.
Allegation Regarding Senior Health Appointment
Apart from procurement-related allegations, Bharadwaj also raised concerns over the appointment of Dr Vatsala Aggarwal as the Director General of Health Services. He alleged that the appointment was made despite several senior doctors being available for consideration.
According to Bharadwaj, the decision was taken even though a vigilance inquiry against the official was reportedly pending. He questioned the basis of the appointment and urged the authorities to clarify the process through which the selection was made.
Demand for Transparency and Investigation
The allegations have intensified political debate over the functioning of the health department and the management of public healthcare resources. The AAP has called for a transparent investigation into the procurement process, stating that any financial irregularities involving taxpayer money should be examined thoroughly.
The administration has not yet publicly responded to the specific allegations mentioned by the party. Any official clarification or findings from an investigation are expected to provide greater clarity on the claims and determine whether procurement procedures complied with established financial and administrative norms.