New Delhi| HL June 20, 2026
The Delhi Government’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has intensified its investigation into the alleged Rs. 650-crore medical procurement scam linked to the Central Procurement Agency (CPA), arresting former CPA and DGHS chief Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga and expanding the probe to include more than 100 doctors and officials.
According to investigators, the alleged irregularities relate to the procurement of medicines, surgical consumables, anesthesia workstations, ventilators, radiological equipment, hospital linen and other medical supplies for government hospitals. The ACB alleges that tender conditions and technical specifications were manipulated to benefit select private vendors, resulting in substantial losses to the public exchequer.
The case was initiated following a complaint by the Vigilance Directorate, which alleged that procurement norms were altered to favour specific companies and suppliers. Based on the complaint, the ACB registered an FIR under relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Dr. Ranga was subsequently arrested and produced before a court, which remanded him to police custody for further questioning.
Investigators are now examining the role of six key internal committees involved in the procurement process, including specification, technical evaluation, bid evaluation and certification committees. Officials said doctors, procurement experts and professors associated with these panels are being questioned to determine how contracts were awarded and whether due process was bypassed.
One of the major areas under scrutiny is the purchase of 62 anesthesia workstations for 34 government hospitals. Reports suggest that despite procurement at significantly higher prices, several machines allegedly remained unused due to documentation, warranty and operational issues. Investigators are also probing claims that equipment valued at around Rs. 55 lakh per unit was purchased for nearly Rs. 1.40 crore per unit, causing a substantial financial burden on the government.
The probe has further revealed allegations that certain technical specifications were drafted in a manner that restricted competition and effectively excluded eligible bidders from the tendering process. Investigators are examining whether forged or questionable authorization documents were submitted during the procurement process and whether officials knowingly approved them.
Authorities have seized procurement records, official files and other documents as part of the investigation. The ACB has indicated that the role of additional government officials, suppliers and beneficiaries is under examination, and more action could follow as the probe progresses.
The alleged scam is being viewed as one of the largest procurement controversies in Delhi’s public healthcare system, with investigators focusing on financial transactions, decision-making processes and possible collusion between officials and private vendors. As the investigation widens, the spotlight remains on accountability in public healthcare procurement and the safeguards needed to ensure transparency in the use of public funds.
