New Delhi (Agency): A high-profile case of financial misconduct has emerged, with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registering a case against a senior official of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Rishikesh and two private firms. This action is connected to an alleged scam in the procurement of advanced vessel sealing equipment at exorbitant prices, resulting in a significant loss to AIIMS, Rishikesh.
On March 31, a CBI team conducted a surprise check following allegations of serious irregularities committed by officers of AIIMS, Rishikesh, during the procurement of the equipment in 2019 and 2020. This equipment was procured at the price of Rs 54,82,852.79 per unit, an excessive rate compared to Rs 19,92,480, which AIIMS, Rishikesh had paid for the same equipment in 2018.
The Procurement Officer, Dr. Balram Ji Omar, was central to these irregularities. He was well aware of the differences in pricing, and various tender conditions were openly flouted by him and the Tender Committee to show undue favor to M/s Arogya International and M/s Riya Agencies. The cost of the equipment and accessories was deliberately masked, a fact ignored by Dr. Omar and other members of the Tender Evaluation Committee.
The original tender was for seven advanced vessel sealing equipment, but Dr. Omar, in collusion with M/s Riya Agencies, placed further Purchase Orders in 2019 and 2020 for five more units without floating a fresh tender and without assessing the actual requirement. This was done at the same exorbitant price at which the initial seven units had been purchased.
The investigation revealed that one of the equipment pieces, costing nearly Rs. 54.80 lakh, remained unused and in packed condition at AIIMS, Rishikesh, even three years after purchase. This finding was damning evidence that the procurement was made with the sole object of causing wrongful gain to Arogya International, New Delhi, Riya Agencies, Jodhpur, and a corresponding wrongful loss to AIIMS, Rishikesh.
The overall wrongful loss to AIIMS, Rishikesh, is estimated to be more than Rs. 6.57 crore, according to the CBI.
This case sheds light on a dark side of procurement within the public health sector, where those entrusted with purchasing life-saving equipment may prioritize personal gain over ethical procurement. Such actions not only lead to financial losses but also erode public trust in key institutions.
The CBI’s involvement highlights the seriousness of the allegations and sets the stage for a legal battle that could have significant ramifications within the health sector. It serves as a reminder that even in the most critical domains of public service, vigilance and transparency are necessary to guard against corruption and ensure that the public interest is upheld.