Bhopal: HL July 13, 2026
The Central Government has initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement of medicines and medical consumables at AIIMS Bhopal after multiple complaints raised concerns over purchases reportedly made at prices significantly higher than prevailing market rates.
The inquiry follows allegations that certain medicines, including an anti-cancer drug, were procured at several times their market price. According to the complaints, a medicine available in the market for around Rs. 400 was allegedly purchased by the institute for approximately Rs. 2,100, triggering questions over procurement practices and financial oversight.
The complaints also allege that an injector syringe, which is said to cost around Rs. 5 in the market, was procured at a substantially higher rate. Similar concerns have reportedly been raised regarding the purchase of several other medicines and medical consumables.
Another major allegation relates to procurement from a private supplier identified as Amulya Pharmacy. The complaints claim that purchases from the supplier increased dramatically, with the procurement value reportedly rising from nearly Rs. 15 lakh to about Rs. 60 crore over a period of time. Investigators are expected to verify whether these procurements complied with government financial rules, tender procedures and transparency norms.
According to the complaint, nearly 10 representations highlighting alleged procurement irregularities have been submitted during the last six months. The repeated complaints eventually prompted the Centre to order a detailed examination of the procurement process.
Officials are expected to scrutinise purchase orders, comparative price quotations, tender documents, invoices, supplier selection procedures and payment records. The investigation is also likely to assess whether procurement decisions were made in accordance with the General Financial Rules (GFR) and the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) guidelines wherever applicable.
Healthcare procurement experts note that prices of medicines may vary depending on factors such as brand, formulation, packaging, batch size, procurement contracts and emergency purchase conditions. However, any unusually large difference between market prices and procurement prices generally warrants closer scrutiny to determine whether established procurement procedures were followed.
The inquiry is expected to determine whether there was any financial irregularity, procedural lapse or violation of procurement norms. If evidence of wrongdoing is found, the government may initiate administrative or disciplinary action against those responsible.
At present, the allegations remain under investigation, and no official findings have been released. AIIMS Bhopal has not issued a detailed public response on the specific allegations at the time of publication.
