At Delhi's Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has discovered a widespread corruption racket that has resulted in the arrest of nine people, including two cardiologists and four hospital staff members. Allegations range from bribing patients to collaborating with suppliers of medical equipment.
The arrested individuals, including Dr. Parvathgouda and Dr. Ajay Raj from the Cardiology Department, are accused of engaging in fraud, such as demanding money from medical equipment from both suppliers and patients. The allegations span from fixing appointments with doctors in exchange for bribes to issuing fake medical certificates.
According to the CBI FIR, the accused individuals allegedly demanded bribes from patients under the threat of withholding or discontinuing medical treatment. In one instance, two hospital employees, Bhuwal Jaiswal and Shalu Sharma, are accused of demanding Rs 20,000 from a man to facilitate the admission of his pregnant wife for delivery. Sharma reportedly threatened to cease the treatment if the bribe wasn't paid promptly, leading to the immediate transfer of money through UPI.
The corruption extended beyond medical procedures, with allegations of clerical staff issuing medical certificates for 'bed rest' for as little as Rs 100 per day. Sanjay Gupta, a clerk at the hospital, is alleged to have prepared medical and fitness certificates in exchange for bribes. The CBI's investigation uncovered instances where individuals sought extended medical rest certificates in exchange for cash compensation.
The investigation also revealed collaboration between medical equipment providers and hospital employees. It is said that Dr. Parvathgouda demanded bribes from a supplier in exchange for the use of their equipment in medical procedures. In the same way, Dr. Ajay Raj is accused of taking money from a different supplier in exchange for patient referrals for their equipment.
After a neurosurgeon from Safdarjung Hospital was arrested by the CBI last year, this operation represents its second significant crackdown on connections between physicians and medical suppliers. The suspects have been placed under custody by the CBI until May 14, while the corruption racket investigation is ongoing.
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/ Susmita Bhandary/MSM)