FIR filed for irregularities in Chhattisgarh health dept procurement in 2023

The FIR, filed on Jan 22, stated that officials from Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Ltd (CGMSCL) and the Directorate of Health Services, alongside 4 firms were involved in irregularities

Published on: Jan 28, 2025, 16:50:36 IST

By Ritesh Mishra

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

A first information report (FIR) was filed against the officials of the Chhattisgarh’s health department and four private firms, accusing them of financial misconduct in the procurement of medical equipment and reagent chemicals in 2023, Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Economic Offence Wing (EOW) officials said on Tuesday.

The alleged irregularities have resulted in a significant loss to the state exchequer.

The FIR, filed on January 22, stated that officials from Chhattisgarh Medical Services Corporation Limited (CGMSCL) and the Directorate of Health Services, alongside four companies were involved in the irregularities.

Also Read:Man murdered in broad daylight in Kondhwa; two detained

“No specific individuals have been named in the FIR, but the investigation points to a major procurement scandal. We have conducted raids at multiple locations in Raipur, Durg, and Haryana on January 27, leading to the recovery of critical documents, electronic devices, and banking details,” said a senior ACB officer, on the condition of anonymity.

The controversy revolves around the purchase of reagents and equipment intended for the establishment of diagnostic centres at district and community health centre levels in 2021. These purchases were made by GMSCL in March-April 2023 without proper assessment of demand or requirement. The purchases were allegedly made without ensuring that these items would be needed at the health centres or that proper facilities—such as storage and electricity supply—were in place for their installation, the FIR said.

“The Directorate of Health Services failed to conduct proper evaluations and neglected the standard procurement process. The demand for reagents and machines was reportedly issued without considering the specific needs of health centres, and necessary approvals were not obtained before making purchases worth approximately ₹411 crore,” the FIR stated.

A comment from CGMSCL, the state’s Directorate of Health Services on the FIR is awaited and the copy will be updated once it is received.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

Home/Cities/Others/FIR Filed For Irregularities In Chhattisgarh Health Dept Procurement In 2023