Delhi Government Orders Special Audit of Delhi Medical Council

Purpose of the Audit

In response to financial irregularities and recovery issues linked to the former registrar of the Delhi Medical Council (DMC), the Delhi Government has mandated a special audit of the Council. This initiative aims to investigate the financial discrepancies that occurred during the previous administration.

Audit Team Composition

The special audit will be carried out by a team consisting of Senior Accounts Officer Smt Savita Jain, Consultant Smt Vijay Kumar Rajput, and Data Entry Operator Smt Sadhna, as stated in the official communication from the Directorate of Audit, Government of NCT of Delhi. The communication requested that necessary arrangements be made for the audit team, including access to records, suitable seating, and secretarial support.

Focus Areas of the Audit

The audit team will evaluate the “exact quantum of financial irregularities” and determine the financial recovery of unlawfully obtained benefits by Dr. Girish Tyagi, who had served as the acting registrar and president/vice-president of the DMC. Additionally, the audit will look into the financial losses incurred by the government due to the alleged illegal extension of the former registrar’s tenure.

Timeline for the Audit

The Audit Department has allocated a period of 30 days for the special audit team to complete their review and submit a detailed report.

Background on the Delhi Medical Council

Regulatory Role

The Delhi Medical Council is an autonomous statutory body established under the Delhi Medical Council Act of 1997, tasked with regulating the practice of modern medicine in Delhi. The DMC ensures that private practitioners adhere to ethical standards.

Composition of the Council

The Council consists of 25 members, which include eight elected by approximately 100,000 registered allopathic doctors in the city, one from the 20,000-member Delhi Medical Association, ten from medical college faculties, four government nominees, and two former officials.

Warnings and Proposals for Dissolution

In February, the government issued a warning regarding potential dissolution if the council did not address its “systemic irregularities.” The Delhi Health Department subsequently submitted a proposal to L-G Saxena, seeking authority over the Council under Section 29 of the DMC Act, 1997, which included suggestions for a temporary dissolution due to allegations of mismanagement.

Oversight by DGHS

Following these developments, the Delhi Health Department appointed the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to supervise the Council’s functions until a new governing body is established. In June, based on recommendations from the Delhi Government, the Lieutenant Governor dissolved the DMC due to significant governance failures.

Inquiry Panel Findings

Earlier this year, a five-member inquiry panel formed by the Delhi Health Department submitted its findings, which were prompted by various complaints against the Medical Council. One major allegation was the unauthorized extension of the retirement age of the DMC registrar from 60 to 65 years, along with a further one-year tenure extension starting December 1, 2024.