New Delhi, October 9, 2026: Delhi Health Secretary Rupesh Kumar Thakur has been removed from his post amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged ₹700-crore medical procurement scam involving medicines, surgical supplies and hospital equipment. He has also been issued a show-cause notice over the alleged failure to submit an action plan for pending procurement despite repeated directions.
Health Secretary Removed From Post
Thakur has been shifted out of the Health Department as part of a wider bureaucratic reshuffle in the Delhi government.
Senior IAS officer Prashant Goyal has been given additional charge of the Health Department.
Show-Cause Notice Over Pending Procurement
The Delhi government had earlier sought an explanation from Thakur over delays in submitting a concrete action plan for pending procurement of medicines, consumables and medical equipment.
The issue reportedly drew the attention of Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh.
₹700-Crore Scam Under ACB Investigation
The Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) is investigating alleged irregularities in procurement carried out by the Directorate General of Health Services and the Central Procurement Agency.
The case involves allegations of manipulated tenders, questionable supplier firms and the diversion of public funds meant for government healthcare facilities. The allegations remain under investigation.
Companies Named in Earlier FIR Still Under Scrutiny
Investigators are examining concerns that some companies named in a 2024 FIR over allegedly defective medical supplies continued supplying products to Delhi government hospitals.
Officials are looking into how these firms remained part of the procurement system despite the earlier allegations.
Former Senior Health Officials Already Arrested
The alleged scam has led to the arrest of several senior officials, including former Director General of Health Services chief Dr Vatsala Aggarwal and former Central Procurement Agency officials.
The Delhi government has also granted sanction to prosecute three former officials in connection with the case.
Chargesheet Runs Into Thousands of Pages
In September, the ACB filed a chargesheet reportedly spanning nearly 12,000 pages.
The case involves dozens of witnesses and extensive documentary and digital evidence relating to procurement decisions and payments to suppliers.
Court Flags Concerns Over Investigation
The investigation has also come under judicial scrutiny. A Delhi court recently raised concerns over alleged procedural lapses, including copy-pasted case diary entries and undated disclosure statements.
These observations have brought the conduct of the investigation under further scrutiny.
Key Accused Surrenders After Months on the Run
Pharmaceutical trader Rajiv Rangila, described by investigators as a key suspect in the alleged fraud, surrendered before the ACB in September after remaining absconding for months.
He is accused of helping create or use firms to manipulate government tenders. These allegations remain subject to the ongoing legal process.
Government Signals Tighter Oversight
The removal of the Health Secretary comes as the Delhi government faces pressure to strengthen procurement oversight and ensure uninterrupted supplies of medicines and equipment to public hospitals.
Further administrative and legal action may follow as the investigation progresses.
Source: The Indian Express
Supreme News Network
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