Medical Officer Arrested for Alleged Bribery in Panipat
Details of the Arrest
In Panipat, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) apprehended a medical officer for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh. The arrest occurred at a dhaba in Murthal, where the officer was reportedly paid in exchange for referring patients to a private hospital.
Background of the Accused
The accused served as a medical officer at a polyclinic under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) located in Sewah, Panipat. Investigators stated that the payments were tied to patient referrals from the government facility to a specific private hospital. Following his arrest, the individual was presented in court in Panchkula, where he was remanded to 14 days of judicial custody.
Complaints Leading to the Investigation
According to reports from The Tribune, the investigation commenced after a complaint was lodged by Squadron Leader (retd) Dr. Sudeep Sangwan, Director of Ayushmanbhava Hospital. In his submission to the ACB in Chandigarh, he alleged that the medical officer had been demanding Rs 3.5 lakh monthly for consistently referring patients to his hospital.
Similar Case of Bribery in Odisha
Details of the Odisha Incident
A related incident was reported by Medic Helpline, in which a senior doctor at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack was detained by the Odisha Vigilance team. Officials recovered Rs 2.63 lakh in unaccounted cash from the doctor, who was allegedly involved in soliciting bribes from bidders supplying medical instruments to the hepatology department.
Investigation and Seizure of Cash
The operation to apprehend the doctor followed intelligence reports indicating irregularities in the departmental procurement process. Acting on this information, officials intercepted the doctor while he was riding a two-wheeler near Kathagolasahi Medical Road and seized the cash.
Conclusion
These incidents highlight ongoing concerns regarding corruption within the healthcare sector in India, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and enforcement against such practices.