ACB Investigates Lok Nayak Hospital Doctors Over Alleged Tender Manipulation
The Anti-Corruption Branch of the Delhi government has launched a formal investigation into serious allegations against senior medical officials at Lok Nayak Hospital. The probe centers on a complaint filed against the hospital's medical director and four other doctors. They stand accused of improperly changing the classification of nursing orderlies in a government tender.
Details of the Alleged Irregularity
According to the complaint received by the ACB, the officials allegedly altered the category of nursing orderlies from unskilled to semi-skilled in a tender floated on the Government e-Marketplace portal. This tender was specifically for hiring 103 nursing orderlies at the hospital. The change in classification is a significant matter, as it directly impacts the qualifications, pay scales, and the entire hiring process for these crucial support staff positions.
The ACB has officially written to the vigilance officer of Lok Nayak Hospital, naming the following individuals in the complaint:
- Dr. B L Chaudhary, Medical Director of Lok Nayak Hospital
- Dr. Vidhan, Chairman of the Tender Committee
- Dr. Sanjeev, DCA at Lok Nayak Hospital
- Dr. Manoj Teotia from Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital
- Dr. Amit Gupta, Purchase Officer at Lok Nayak Hospital
Official Response and Hospital's Internal Action
When contacted for comment, Dr. B L Chaudhary, the Medical Director, denied the allegations outright. In a WhatsApp message to The Indian Express, he stated, "It's false. No such tender happened." This statement directly contradicts the information in the ACB's official communication and the internal hospital records now under scrutiny.
Meanwhile, sources within the hospital have revealed that an internal inquiry is already underway. A meeting was conducted at Lok Nayak Hospital on January 7, 2026 to investigate the circumstances surrounding the category change. The internal probe is examining how this alteration led to the failure of the tender process, resulting in a considerable waste of time and valuable hospital manpower.
ACB's Formal Demands and Broader Context
In a decisive move, the Anti-Corruption Branch has formally requested certified copies of all files related to the contentious tender. Officials confirm the ACB has also sought copies of the file pertaining to the work contract agreement for the nursing orderlies. These documents are crucial for establishing a clear timeline and understanding the decision-making process behind the alleged category change.
The tender in question was floated on the GeM portal, which is India's national public procurement platform. This digital marketplace is designed for government bodies to purchase goods and services directly from registered sellers. Its core principles are to foster transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity in public purchasing. Any alleged manipulation of tender specifications on this platform is therefore treated with utmost seriousness.
Role of Nursing Orderlies and Impact of the Scandal
Nursing orderlies play a vital role in Delhi government hospitals. They are essential support staff who assist nurses and doctors with fundamental patient care. Their duties are hands-on and critical for daily ward operations, including:
- Assisting with basic patient hygiene and care
- Transporting patients within the hospital
- Preparing patients for medical procedures
- Managing medical supplies and equipment
- Handling tasks from patient admission to discharge, including feeding and bed-making
The alleged manipulation of their hiring process not only raises questions of procedural integrity but also potentially delays the filling of these important positions. This can directly affect patient care services and the smooth functioning of hospital wards. The investigation by the ACB and the hospital's internal inquiry will determine the facts behind this complaint and what consequences may follow.
