AAP Protests Outside Lok Nayak Hospital Over Medical Procurement Scam
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders staged a silent protest and formed a human chain outside Lok Nayak Hospital in New Delhi on Monday. The protestors alleged that key figures in an alleged multi-crore medicine and medical equipment procurement racket in Delhi government hospitals are being protected, demanding to know if one of the accused was allowed to flee the country.
During the demonstration, protestors held placards featuring photos of Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and former Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal, who is an accused in the case. AAP Delhi president and former health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned why Dr. Aggarwal received an out-of-turn promotion despite an active vigilance inquiry against her, demanding an explanation from Chief Minister Gupta.
Delhi BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor rejected the allegations, stating that Dr. Aggarwal's appointment to lead multiple institutes occurred during the erstwhile AAP government and became inevitable due to seniority. Kapoor added that the Delhi government immediately ordered an Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) probe upon discovery of the corruption, which resulted in her arrest. Kapoor questioned why Bharadwaj allowed Dr. Aggarwal to head four institutes during AAP's rule.
The alleged irregularities first surfaced in May during inquiries by the Delhi government’s Directorate of Vigilance at the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) office. This followed complaints regarding procurement tenders for medicines, surgical items, and medical equipment. On June 2, the ACB registered an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
Three individuals have been arrested in the case so far: Dr. Aggarwal, former CPA head Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga, and Neeraj Chopra, the deputy controller of accounts at the CPA. The ACB is also searching for an absconding pharmaceutical distributor, Rajiv Rangila, who investigators suspect acted as a key link between supplying companies and government officials. A lookout circular has been issued to locate him.
The ongoing dispute highlights political tension over Delhi's government hospital procurement system. Bharadwaj stated that the scam has directly impacted healthcare delivery, asserting that patients are not getting medicines or diagnostic tests because of the corruption. AAP announced plans to hold similar protests outside DDU Hospital and GTB Hospital in the coming days.
