Former IGMC Senior Medical Superintendent Questioned in HIMCARE Irregularities Probe
SIT Examines Administrative, Financial and Supervisory Role; Procurement and Tendering Practices Also Under Scanner
The Himachal Pradesh Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has questioned a former senior medical superintendent of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla, as part of an inquiry into alleged irregularities in the implementation and processing of claims under the Mukhya Mantri Himachal Health Care (HIMCARE) Scheme.
The questioning was conducted as part of a state government-directed investigation into the handling of HIMCARE claims at IGMC Shimla. Investigators are examining the role of officials and other stakeholders involved in the implementation, supervision, verification, generation and processing of claims under the scheme.
Preliminary Inquiry Flags Irregularities
The preliminary inquiry reportedly identified several issues requiring further investigation. The probe has also raised concerns regarding procurement and tendering practices at IGMC Shimla.
According to the investigation, the tendering and procurement process at IGMC had not been comprehensively reviewed after 2018. Investigators have also identified instances involving allegedly higher rates and are examining how such rates continued to be applied.
Former Senior Medical Superintendent Questioned
The former senior medical superintendent was questioned for nearly three hours regarding matters related to his tenure at IGMC. The SIT examined issues concerning his administrative, supervisory and financial responsibilities during the relevant period.
According to the vigilance team, the former official did not provide complete answers to several questions. Investigators said some of his responses were unclear or could not be immediately verified.
On certain matters falling within the supervisory responsibilities of the senior medical superintendent, he reportedly stated that he did not have the relevant information.
Following the questioning, the SIT issued a detailed questionnaire seeking specific information and explanations. The former official has sought one week to submit his written response, according to the investigation team.
Procurement and Financial Records Under Scrutiny
The investigation is also examining IGMC Shimla’s procurement documents and financial records to determine why allegedly higher rates continued to be applied in some cases and whether any officials or other stakeholders could be held responsible.
The preliminary inquiry found that the hospital’s tendering and procurement process had not been comprehensively reviewed after 2018. Investigators are examining whether this contributed to the alleged irregularities and whether responsibility can be fixed on specific individuals.
SIT Continues Investigation
The SIT continues to examine procurement documents, financial records and HIMCARE-related claims to establish how the alleged irregularities occurred.
The investigation will also assess the roles of officials and other stakeholders involved in processing and supervising HIMCARE claims and determine whether any specific individuals bear responsibility.
Important Highlights
- Himachal Pradesh Vigilance SIT questioned a former senior medical superintendent of IGMC Shimla.
- The inquiry concerns alleged irregularities in HIMCARE claim implementation and processing.
- The former official was questioned for nearly three hours about his administrative, supervisory and financial responsibilities.
- Investigators are also examining IGMC’s procurement and tendering practices.
- The preliminary inquiry found that the tendering and procurement process had not been comprehensively reviewed after 2018.
- The former official has been given a detailed questionnaire and has sought one week to submit a written response.
