KANGRA: A major procurement scam has come to light in the Cardiology Department of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College and Hospital in Tanda, (Tanda Medical College) involving severe irregularities in the purchase of coronary stents and related equipment.
A probe report by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) has revealed that stents from companies technically disqualified during the e-tender process were later used in patient treatments.
The Director of Medical Education and Research submitted the detailed probe report to the Principal Secretary (Health) on July 14, 2026, seeking immediate and necessary action.
According to reports, the irregularities initially surfaced following a complaint received on April 10 regarding the functioning and procurement processes of the Cardiology Department. In response, the DMER constituted an inquiry committee on April 28. The final review was conducted based on documents and letters sent by the Tanda Medical College Principal on March 20 and May 14, 2026.
The investigation revealed that 12 companies participated in the e-tender issued for the procurement of coronary stents and accessories. During the technical evaluation, the Cardiology Department disqualified nine of these firms. However, stents manufactured by these very companies were later purchased through Amrit Pharmacy on a case-to-case voucher basis and used for treating patients.
This backdoor procurement process drew strong objections from the local audit team. The auditors pointed out that voucher-based purchases violated the standard operating procedures (SOPs) laid down for government cashless health schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Himcare. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit team also questioned the simultaneous disqualification of the nine companies and the subsequent usage of their products.
The inquiry report noted that an explanation was sought from the Head of the Cardiology Department, but the response was found to be unsatisfactory.
Following this, the matter was placed before the executive committee of the Rogi Kalyan Samiti. In its meeting on April 28, the committee decided to open the financial bids of all eligible bidders. Consequently, the financial bids of all 12 companies were opened on May 6.
The Principal of Tanda Medical College has now requested the government to consider the L-1 (lowest) bidder. According to the official documents, the rates quoted by the L-1 company were up to 74 percent lower than the prices at which the stents were being purchased through Amrit Pharmacy. The Principal has sent a detailed financial comparison to the government, and further action at the government level is currently awaited.
