Fake diesel bills for disused ambulances under probe; Vigilance Bureau investigates misappropriation
Bathinda, Punjab:
In a major corruption-related development, the Punjab Health Department has suspended three officials from Shaheed Bhai Mani Singh Civil Hospital in Bathinda over their alleged involvement in a ₹30 lakh fuel scam. The case involves the submission of fraudulent diesel bills for ambulances and other hospital vehicles that were not in use.
The suspended individuals include:
- A Senior Medical Officer (SMO)
- A Senior Assistant
- A Computer Operator
The SMO, Dr. Gurmail Singh, had already been transferred to Sunam in Sangrur district last month amid growing allegations of fund misuse.
Suspension Orders and Ongoing Investigation
The formal suspension orders were issued on June 28, and the accused have been attached to the state health department headquarters in Chandigarh pending further inquiry.
Confirming the development, Dr. Ramandeep Singla, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Bathinda, told Tribune India:
“Three officials, including former SMO Dr. Gurmail Singh, have been suspended over their alleged involvement in the fuel scam. The Vigilance Bureau is already investigating the matter.”
Scam Uncovered Through Whistleblower Complaint
The scam came to light following a complaint filed by a resident of Ghudda village in Bathinda, who submitted documentary evidence to both the Vigilance Bureau and health department authorities. The evidence reportedly revealed fraudulent diesel bills raised for ambulances and other vehicles that were not operational or disused.
Initial estimates suggest that approximately ₹30 lakh was siphoned off through these fake fuel transactions, raising serious questions about financial oversight in the healthcare system.
Wider Crackdown on Healthcare Corruption
This incident is the latest in a series of corruption cases surfacing across the Indian healthcare system. Recently:
- A government surgeon was suspended in a separate bribery case.
- Meditirina Hospital Pvt Ltd, operating centres in Faridabad and Hisar, came under the scanner for overcharging poor patients, issuing fake bills, and allowing an unqualified doctor to perform surgeries using reused surgical tools.
Next Steps and Accountability
The Punjab Vigilance Bureau continues its investigation to determine the full extent of the scam, identify additional persons involved, and quantify the total financial loss to the exchequer. More administrative action may follow depending on the findings.
The case has highlighted the urgent need for stricter audits, transparent billing systems, and accountability in hospital management to prevent such misuse of public funds, especially in critical sectors like healthcare.
