₹35 cr to security firm at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad: Audit reveals payout irregularities

A financial irregularity has surfaced at the Civil Hospital in Asarwa, Ahmedabad, after an internal audit revealed that a security contract worth nearly ₹35 crore was awarded without following due procurement procedures. The revelations have prompted the state Health Department to demand an official explanation from hospital authorities.

As per regulations of the Gujarat government, any contract above ₹5 lakh – whether for medical equipment, construction, or outsourced services – must be processed through an e-procurement system. Despite this, the hospital awarded the multi-crore security contract bypassing these mandatory norms.

According to the audit report, on July 24, 2018, Salamati Security Pvt Ltd deployed 182 guards at the Civil Hospital. In 2019, the number of guards hired increased by 100. What raises further concerns is that the hospital hired the same agency that had earlier been let go by the institute.

Year-wise payment summary to security agency:

2018–19: ₹2.24 crore

2019–20: ₹5.66 crore

2020–21: ₹5.74 crore

2021–22: ₹6.04 crore

2022–23: ₹6.68 crore

2023–24: ₹8.54 crore

Total payout: ₹34.91 crore

The Health Department has officially sought answers from Civil Hospital officials following the audit’s findings.