The Delhi government’s Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) has apprehended Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga, the ex-head of the Central Procurement Agency (CPA), for his alleged role in the illicit procurement of medicines, surgical items, consumables, and medical equipment. Dr. Ranga faced questions about missing records in the case, leading to his arrest.
Dr. Ranga was presented before the court on Friday, where he was remanded to four days of police custody for further investigation. The ACB sought his custody to recover missing files, uncover potential conspiracies, identify other beneficiaries and co-conspirators, trace the money trail, and retrieve incriminating evidence.
A 650 crore drugs procurement scandal recently surfaced, exposing suspected irregularities in drug and medical equipment procurement by the CPA. This development prompted scrutiny of numerous doctors and medical personnel by investigative bodies, with a case initiated at the behest of the Delhi LG and Chief Minister.
The CPA, operating under the Department of Health and Family Welfare, is responsible for procuring and distributing medicines and essential healthcare supplies to government health facilities in the capital. In light of the scandal, the Delhi government transferred over 40 CPA-affiliated staff to bolster transparency in the healthcare sector.
During its probe, the ACB discovered that Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga had withheld various files related to the procurement of portable X-ray machines, bedsheets, radiological equipment, anesthesia workstations, surgical consumables, and medicines. The agency noted that the involvement of other public servants, suppliers, and beneficiaries implicated in the alleged conspiracy is currently under investigation.
