Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada Calls for Action Against Corrupt DMC Officials Amid Probe

New Delhi: The Delhi government has sought an explanation from the Delhi Medical Council (DMC) over alleged irregularities, including the unauthorized extension of Dr. Girish Tyagi’s tenure as registrar, salary disbursement beyond retirement, and discrepancies in recruitment procedures.

The DMC is now embroiled in controversy following the swift suspension of its president and vice president by the city government.

Along with demanding explanations, the suspension notice also cites an ongoing vigilance investigation into Dr. Gupta and Dr. Tyagi for unauthorized signature usage and fund mismanagement after their tenures ended.

This action follows a complaint by North West Delhi MP Yogendra Chandoliya, who has called for the immediate removal of Dr. Arun Gupta and Dr. Naresh Chawla from their respective positions as president and vice president of the DMC.

The deputy secretary (council) of the health department has demanded accountability for serious violations. Reports indicate that Dr. Tyagi’s extended tenure was facilitated by tampering with official documents, violating Rule 36 of the DMC Act.

In 2019, despite the requirement to retire at 60 as per Fundamental Rule 56 of the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), Dr. Tyagi’s service was extended to 65 years by the president without obtaining government approval. Concerns have been raised about the authenticity of the extension letter, dated December 12, 2019, which was issued under Dr. Gupta’s authority.

Further allegations state that Dr. Tyagi continued receiving salary payments after retirement without proper authorization, leading to demands for the recovery of unlawfully disbursed funds.

Additionally, Dr. Gupta and Dr. Chawla reportedly initiated an unauthorized hiring process for the position of deputy registrar. They allegedly issued advertisements and conducted interviews without securing the necessary approvals from the council or the government.

The department also pointed out that government directives were ignored, particularly a letter from the special secretary (Health & Family Welfare) dated November 27, 2024, which instructed Dr. Tyagi’s removal. Instead, misleading legal responses were submitted without informing or seeking approval from council members.

A vigilance probe (complaint no. 46959/2024) is currently underway against Dr. Gupta and Dr. Tyagi concerning unauthorized usage of official signatures and financial mismanagement after their tenure ended. The order also highlights Dr. Chawla’s involvement in manipulating council decisions.

Dr. Tyagi originally joined DMC as deputy registrar in June 2007 and was appointed registrar in July 2008. His scheduled retirement in November 2019, upon reaching the age of 60, was postponed due to a DMC amendment in February 2019 that extended the retirement age to 65. After turning 65 on November 3, 2024, the council further extended his tenure by another year starting December 1.

Allegations of Corruption Within DMC:

Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada, President of Bharatiya Liberal Party (BLP) and a board-certified neonatologist, has raised an issue about corruption in DMC (Delhi Medical Council).

Talking about this issue, Dr. Munish Raizada has tweeted that, "Dr. Arun Gupta clearly shielded Dr .Girish Tyagi and in fact both were hands in glove in enjoying the perks and exploiting DMC to fill their coffers.

Dr. Anuj Gupta was ‘elected’ as DMC president under the patronage of the then Health Minister Mr. Satyender Jain not on the basis of merit, but because they were dost (friends). While many worthy candidates were available, but no, a corrupt politician goes for perverse and parochial reasons rather than cultivating talent.

The skeletons in the cupboard of Delhi Medical Council must come out now."

Talking about this issue with MedBound Times, Dr. Munish Kumar Raizada blamed the malaise of DMC on the then Health Minister Satyendra Jain and consequently Arvind Kejriwal. Dr. Raizada also said that he was the advisor to the Health Minister at that time and he shared his thoughts on this matter, "As Health Minister, Satyendra Jain should have appointed a capable individual to serve as president of the DMC. Instead, he selected his friend ('dost'), Dr. Arun Gupta, for the position."

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)