The Delhi Government has begun to take action against the Health Secretary in response to alleged irregularities related to procurement practices involving the Central Procurement Agency (CPA). These concerns centre on delays in obtaining essential medicines, consumables, and medical equipment for government-run hospitals. The situation has reportedly had a negative impact on healthcare services in the region.

Health Minister Pankaj Singh has issued a notice requesting an extensive factual report concerning the procurement of various medical items, including Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) sachets, handheld portable X-ray machines, and bedsheets. This notice marks the administration’s effort to address reported discrepancies in these essential supplies.

Details of Alleged Procurement Lapses

The notice specifically queries the procurement of ORS sachets priced at ₹15 per unit. The Health Minister has demanded clarity on the basis for this pricing, the maintenance of procurement records, the vendor awarded the contract, and a comprehensive financial breakdown encompassing the procurement rate, vendor discounts, GST, and final costs.

Furthermore, the allegations extend to a suspected purchase of approximately 1.6 million bedsheets at significantly inflated prices. The Health Department is instructed to provide details on the total number of bedsheets procured since April 1, 2025, alongside procurement rates and specifications. A comparative analysis with procurement rates for similar-quality items from other governmental bodies and public hospitals is also required.

Concerns have also emerged regarding the procurement of handheld portable X-ray machines, allegedly purchased in 2026 at a staggering rate of nearly ₹33 lakh per unit. This rate is reported to be much higher than those paid by other government institutions. The Health Department must present technical specifications, procurement rates, and data on comparable purchases made by other states, Central Government institutions, and public healthcare organisations.

Show-Cause Notices and Administrative Lapses

The directory for action was initially circulated on May 28, followed by a reminder on June 17, which set a deadline for compliance by June 19. A subsequent reminder was sent on July 22, highlighting the ongoing non-compliance. The show-cause notice emphasises that this lack of adherence has hindered the monitoring of essential procurement processes, leading to significant administrative oversights.

The Health Secretary has been requested to provide an explanation for the repeated non-compliance with official directions, the tardiness in submitting the Action Taken Report, and why disciplinary measures under the Conduct Rules should not be suggested against involved officials. The Health Department has been asked to respond to these queries by August 5.

The notice also warns that failure to furnish an adequate explanation may result in recommendations for disciplinary action against the concerned individuals. Copies of this document have additionally been disseminated to the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, and Chief Secretary, underscoring the administrative seriousness surrounding these procurement issues.

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