Ujjain: The Lokayukta police have registered a case against a retired civil surgeon, an accountant, and a former in-charge clerk in connection with alleged financial irregularities in the procurement process at the Charak Bhavan Hospital, a government-run facility in Ujjain.
The case was filed under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, following a complaint by Dharmendra Sharma, a resident of Gram Najarpur in Ghattia tehsil. Sharma had approached Lokayukta SP Anand Yadav, alleging irregularities in the procurement of essential goods and services at the hospital. Acting on the complaint, DSP Rajesh Pathak launched an investigation through the Ujjain unit of the Lokayukta police.
Speaking to TOI, DSP Pathak said, “Further investigation will reveal the amount of financial damage. Initially, it appears that about half a dozen firms have benefited.”
The investigation revealed that work orders initially issued for two years continued for an additional two to three years without fresh tenders being floated—violating standard procurement procedures. During this period, GST payments were made to several firms, but the corresponding tax amounts were reportedly not deposited with the government, raising serious concerns about financial misconduct.
Further irregularities included payments made without mandatory clarification certificates and without approval from competent authorities, thereby exceeding the financial powers granted to the then Civil Surgeon of the District Hospital and the Office of the Civil Surgeon-cum-Chief Hospital Superintendent.
The case adds to a growing list of corruption-related probes in Madhya Pradesh’s public healthcare sector. We had earlier reported a similar controversy at Satna District Hospital, where a doctor was caught on video allegedly demanding a Rs 500 bribe for issuing a medical certificate to a student.
Authorities are expected to intensify the investigation to identify the full scope of irregularities and ensure accountability.
