CBI busts bribery racket at Delhi's RML Hospital, doctors arrested
The Central Bureau of Investigation has arrested nine people, including two doctors, in connection with a bribery racket at the government-run Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) hospital in Delhi. They have been accused of engaging in corruption by accepting bribes from patients and medical equipment suppliers. The two arrested doctors have been identified as Parvathgouda, Assistant Professor, Cardiology Department, and Ajay Raj, Professor, Cardiology Department.
Accused identified in RML Hospital corruption case
The individuals implicated in the corruption case were named in a First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the CBI on Tuesday. The others named in the FIR include a senior technical officer, a nurse, two clerks, multiple private medical equipment companies, and unidentified government officials. All those involved face charges of criminal conspiracy as well as prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
FIR reveals details of alleged corrupt practices
The FIR seen by HT mentions, "Information has been received...that several doctors and the employees of Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, have been indulging in corrupt practices and collecting bribes from the patients." This was done either directly or indirectly through medical/supplier representatives from companies that provided various equipment essential for the diagnosis and treatment of various patients. The report also details instances where doctors Parvathgouda and Raj allegedly solicited and accepted bribes from private suppliers.
Corruption was taking place through 5 modules
According to India Today, the corruption took place through five modules. The first involved the supply of stents and other medical supplies, while the second concerned the supply of a specific brand of stents. The other three involved the supply of medical equipment in laboratories, the admittance of patients in exchange for bribes, and the issuing of forged medical certificates.
