Delhi LG Recommends CBI Probe Into Alleged Supply Of 'Non-Standard' Drugs In Govt Hospitals

In a significant development, Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has recommended a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged procurement and supply of "non-standard" drugs in Delhi government hospitals, as confirmed by officials at Raj Niwas on Saturday (23 December).

Expressing deep concern over the situation, Saxena highlighted that these medicines, categorized as 'Not of Standard Quality' after failing quality standard tests, are being administered to lakhs of patients.

The Lt Governor's note, addressed to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, raised alarm over the potential threat to public health and safety posed by these drugs, procured under the Delhi Health Services through the Central Procurement Agency (CPA).

The Lt Governor's note , mentioned that the tested drugs have failed quality standard tests conducted by both government and private analysts/laboratories, as per the rules under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

As reported by Economic Times, the drugs were supplied not only to Delhi government hospitals but may also have been distributed to the 'Mohalla Clinics.'

In light of the gravity of the situation, Saxena proposed that the CBI take up the case, especially considering its connection to the 'Mohalla Clinics,' which are already under the agency's investigation.

Reacting to the development, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai stated that the government would provide a detailed response and alleged that attempts were being made to obstruct the government's work through such inquiries.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Vigilance had initiated an inquiry into the matter following complaints about sub-standard medicines being supplied in Delhi government hospitals.

Samples were collected from these hospitals to assess the quality of the drugs in question.