₹640 Crore Gone? Delhi Health Scam Raises Serious Questions Over Public Money

Delhi's healthcare system has come under intense scrutiny following an alleged ₹640-crore health procurement scam involving the purchase of medicines, surgical supplies, ORS packets, X-ray machines, C-Arm radiology equipment, hospital linen, and other medical devices for government hospitals. The case, currently under investigation by the Delhi Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB), has raised serious questions about transparency, public spending, and accountability in the capital's health administration.

According to investigators, the alleged irregularities occurred during procurement carried out by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The ACB alleges that tender conditions were manipulated to favour selected suppliers, competition was restricted, and several medical products were purchased at prices far higher than prevailing market rates. The agency estimates that these practices caused an alleged loss of around ₹640 crore to the Delhi government's health budget.

One of the most striking aspects of the investigation is the alleged overpricing of essential medical equipment and supplies. According to the FIR, a portable X-ray machine, which had a market price of around ₹10 lakh, was allegedly purchased for ₹33 lakh. Similarly, a C-Arm radiological machine, available for approximately ₹25 lakh, was allegedly procured for ₹1.10 crore. The investigation also claims that ORS sachets, normally costing around ₹2.50 each, were purchased for ₹15 per sachet, while hospital bedsheets priced at about ₹150 were allegedly bought for ₹450 each. In another major allegation, surgical supplies estimated to be worth ₹20–25 crore were allegedly procured for nearly ₹100 crore. These figures form a significant part of the ACB's case but remain allegations that have not yet been proven in court.

The investigation has already led to the arrest of Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal, the former Director General of Health Services (DGHS), and Neeraj Chopra, the former Deputy Controller of Accounts. Investigators allege that both officials played key roles in approving procurement and financial processes now under scrutiny. The ACB is examining procurement files, financial records, tender documents, and supplier contracts to determine whether criminal misconduct occurred.

The alleged scam has also triggered a major political confrontation. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of allowing large-scale corruption in Delhi's healthcare system and has demanded strict action against everyone involved. Meanwhile, AAP leaders have rejected the allegations, maintaining that the investigation is politically motivated and that the legal process should be allowed to take its course. As of now, no court has established the guilt of any accused, and the investigation is still underway.

Beyond politics, the case raises broader concerns about governance in public healthcare. Funds allocated for medicines and medical equipment are meant to improve patient care in government hospitals. If the allegations are ultimately proven, they would point to significant financial losses and possible impacts on the availability and quality of healthcare services for the public.

With the investigation continuing, more officials, suppliers, or companies could come under scrutiny if fresh evidence emerges. Regardless of the final outcome, the alleged ₹640-crore Delhi health procurement scam has become one of the biggest governance controversies of 2026, underscoring the need for greater transparency, stronger auditing mechanisms, and stricter oversight in public procurement. The final truth, however, will depend on the findings of the investigation and the courts.