By Trend News Line 2024-05-09 22:40:00.
Medical Devices Racket Uncovered at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital
A recent investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has led to the arrest of several individuals involved in a medical devices racket at Ram Manohar Lohia hospital in New Delhi. The arrests include a senior manager of a medical equipment firm and a nurse who were allegedly part of a cash-for-appointment scheme.
Arrests and Allegations
The arrests took place over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday, with a total of 11 people, including two cardiologists from the hospital, being taken into custody. The CBI is continuing its probe into the matter and anticipates more arrests in the near future.
One of the key figures arrested in connection with the racket is Akarshan Gulati, a territory sales manager at a firm called Biotronik. Additionally, Shalu Sharma, a nurse at the hospital, was also implicated in the scheme. It is alleged that Sharma and a clerk named Bhuwal Jaiswal extorted money from patients in exchange for medical services.
Corruption Racket Uncovered
According to the CBI, the corruption racket operated through various modules, including the supply of stents and other medical equipment, admission of patients in exchange for bribes, and the issuance of fake medical certificates. The agency is also investigating the involvement of two cardiologists from the hospital, Dr. Ajay Raj and Dr. Parvathgouda, who allegedly accepted bribes to promote specific medical products.
In addition to the medical staff, the CBI has arrested directors and employees of firms engaged in supplying medical equipment, as well as nurses, clerks, and lab employees from the hospital. Several private firms based in Delhi and Gurgaon are under scrutiny, with the agency looking into the extent of patient impact caused by the racket.
Legal Proceedings and Custodial Interrogation
A Delhi court granted custody of nine individuals arrested earlier to the CBI for five days. Special judge Prashant Kumar emphasized the need for thorough custodial interrogation to extract information on other accused persons and gather evidence related to illegal gratification. The court also allowed certain requests from the accused, including meetings with family members and carrying prescribed medicines into custody.
As the investigation unfolds, the CBI is focusing on tracing the flow of money involved in the racket and determining the quality of the medical devices supplied. The agency aims to ensure justice for the affected patients and hold those responsible for the corruption racket accountable..
CBI arrests more in stent-for-bribe case
CBI arrests two in stent-for-bribe case.
