New Delhi| HL July 01, 2026
The alleged 650-crore medicine and medical equipment procurement scam in Delhi has intensified into a full-fledged political battle, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accusing each other of corruption. While both parties continue to target one another, several crucial questions surrounding the procurement process and public money remain unanswered.
The controversy gained momentum after investigators alleged serious irregularities in the purchase of medicines and medical equipment. According to the probe, procurement requests were allegedly prepared in the morning, tenders floated within hours, contracts awarded the same day, supplies shown as completed by the evening, and payments processed the very next day.
Investigators are also examining allegations that goods with an estimated value of nearly 25 crore were cleared for payments of around 75 crore without adequate verification. The inquiry is looking into whether competitive bidding norms were bypassed, whether suppliers had prior knowledge of contracts, and whether hospital demand was generated only after procurement decisions had already been taken.
The Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has arrested former senior health officials and is examining procurement records, payment files and the role of officials and suppliers. Authorities are also verifying whether the supplies mentioned in official records were actually delivered and whether hospitals genuinely required the quantities purchased.
BJP Targets AAP
The BJP has accused the previous AAP government of presiding over large-scale corruption in Delhi’s health department. Party leaders have alleged that the scam reflects systematic misuse of public funds and have demanded strict action against everyone involved, regardless of political affiliation.
According to BJP leaders, the investigation has exposed serious financial irregularities that require accountability at the highest level.
AAP Hits Back
The Aam Aadmi Party has rejected the allegations, accusing the BJP of attempting to politicise the investigation. AAP leaders have claimed the case is being used to divert attention and create a political narrative ahead of future elections.
The party has also questioned the timing of the investigation and maintained that corruption allegations are being selectively highlighted for political gains.
Questions Still Await Answers
Despite the political confrontation, several critical questions remain unresolved:
How could tender notices, contract awards, supply and payments allegedly be completed within such a short period?
Were procurement rules and competitive bidding procedures followed?
Were the medicines and medical equipment actually supplied in the quantities claimed?
Why were payments allegedly released before thorough verification?
Did hospitals genuinely require the items purchased, or were demand records created later?
Who authorised the procurement process and approved the payments?
If irregularities occurred, who ultimately benefited from the transactions?
As the blame game between BJP and AAP continues, the investigation remains focused on examining procurement documents, financial approvals and the role of officials and suppliers.
Whether the ongoing probe answers these questions and establishes accountability will determine the direction of one of Delhi’s biggest alleged health procurement scandals in recent years.
