Daijiworld Media Network – Punjab
Punjab, Jul 1: In a shocking case of financial irregularity, funds earmarked for ambulance fuel at a government hospital in Bathinda were allegedly siphoned off, prompting swift action by the district administration. Following a detailed investigation, the then Senior Medical Officer (SMO), along with a hospital assistant and a data entry operator, have been suspended.
Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmad Parray confirmed the action on Tuesday, stating, “We received a complaint regarding theft of hospital money, specifically funds meant for ambulance fuel. The Health Secretary constituted a committee to conduct a thorough investigation.”
The discrepancies in fuel allocation and fund utilization reportedly raised red flags, which led to the initial complaint. During the early stages of the inquiry, the SMO was transferred to prevent interference, but after conclusive findings from the probe, he was formally suspended.
In addition to the SMO, two other staffers—a hospital assistant and a data entry operator—were also suspended for their alleged involvement in the financial misconduct.
“The government is taking such matters very seriously. A clear message has been sent that no one will be spared for disrupting the integrity of the public system,” DC Parray stated, adding that legal proceedings would follow based on the evidence.
Meanwhile, the case has cast a shadow over the healthcare system in the district, sparking public concern over misuse of essential service funds, especially in critical segments like emergency ambulance services.
In related developments, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu in March had announced financial support for setting up 100 new NABL-accredited food testing labs nationwide under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a high-tech food testing lab at Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University, underscoring the Centre’s focus on transparency, safety, and quality in public service sectors.