Bhubaneswar: Senior Doctor Detained for Alleged Bribery

Incident Overview

A senior doctor from SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack was apprehended by the Odisha Vigilance team on Thursday. Officials discovered Rs 2.63 lakh in unaccounted cash in his possession. The doctor is suspected of soliciting bribes from vendors competing to supply medical instruments to the hepatology department.

Operation Details

The operation was initiated following reports of irregularities in the procurement process within the department. Vigilance officials intercepted the doctor while he was riding a two-wheeler near Kathagolasahi Medical Road, leading to the cash seizure.

Allegations of Corruption

According to a report by The Times of India, officials believe the seized money was collected as illegal payments from suppliers vying to provide medical equipment to the hepatology department. The doctor had been under surveillance for several weeks due to complaints regarding his alleged involvement in the selection of suppliers.

Conflict of Interest Concerns

Investigators revealed that the doctor, an MBBS graduate from 1994, was reportedly pressuring suppliers to redirect medical instruments to a private clinic associated with him. This raises significant concerns about conflicts of interest and adherence to professional ethics.

Official Statements

A senior vigilance official commented, “We had credible intelligence regarding the illegal transaction. The operation was executed, and the medical faculty member was caught while carrying the cash. He failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the source of the money.”

Further Investigations

In light of the doctor’s detention, searches were conducted at three locations connected to him to evaluate his assets and determine if he holds wealth disproportionate to his declared income. His professional conduct and departmental decisions are now under review. A case has been filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2018.

Related Incidents

In a separate incident, it was reported that a medical officer stationed at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Kaniha was arrested by Vigilance officials for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 49,000 from women Community Health Officers (CHOs) in return for processing their outstanding incentive payments.