Gujarat Health dept probes alleged corruption in dialysis programme at IKDRC

In a surprise visit, Deputy Health Secretary Vipul Vasava took an unannounced round of Ahmedabad’s Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre (IKDRC) at Civil Hospital campus in Asarwa, and the Gujarat Dialysis Programme (GDP). Vasava is said to have questioned hospital staff and examined key records, with copies of important documents reportedly taken for further investigation. 

The development follows complaints alleging irregularities between ₹10 crore and ₹15 crore in the purchase of dialysis consumables. The Health department subsequently constituted a fresh inquiry committee after concerns were raised that an earlier probe had been inadequate and incomplete.

As per the complaint submitted to the Health Department in Gandhinagar, between 2022 and the present, existing tenders were extended on four occasions to allegedly favour certain suppliers, while new tenders were issued and later cancelled without clear reasons. As a result, dialysers required for dialysis procedures were allegedly procured at ₹90 to ₹100 higher per unit than prevailing market rates, causing substantial loss to the state exchequer.

The complaint also alleged that following the earlier investigation, responsibility was fixed on a junior employee, allowing those allegedly responsible for the irregularities to escape scrutiny. Sources claim this prevented the full extent of the alleged wrongdoing from being revealed.

Earlier, during a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit in 2024, it was reportedly found that a serving officer on special duty (OSD) and the then resident medical officer (RMO) had violated procurement rules. The audit allegedly flagged irregular allowances amounting to ₹9.5 lakh, as well as the award of maintenance, canteen and laundry contracts without adherence to prescribed procurement policies.

Confirming the visit, Deputy Secretary Vipul Vasava said officials had inspected the Kidney hospital and the GDP programme facilities, but declined to share details, citing the confidential nature of the investigation.

Sources said questions over the impartiality of the earlier inquiry led the matter to reach the offices of the chief minister and the health minister, following which a new four-member investigation committee was ordered. The panel includes two additional directors from the Health department, along with an accounts officer and a procurement officer from the Gujarat Medical Services Corporation Limited (GMSCL).

Hospital sources further claimed that repeated tender cancellations, extensions granted since March 2024 and earlier CAG objections point towards an alleged nexus between senior officials and suppliers. The new committee is expected to examine these aspects as part of its ongoing investigation.