2 hrs ago
Chandigarh Hospital Left Crores Unused, Audit Flags Patient Welfare Failures
A hospital in Chandigarh had a large fund meant to help patients who cannot afford extra costs.
In 2024-25, it used only Rs 1.87 crore from Rs 40.44 crore available in that fund.
The remaining Rs 38.57 crore was not used for patient welfare.
The money could have helped with treatment, travel, food or a family member’s stay.
Government auditors said this defeated the purpose of the fund.
The hospital also bought 20 fingerprint scanners for Rs 20.40 lakh.
Most of the scanners stayed unused for years.
Hospital officials said spending required permissions and that biometric systems are now being installed where needed.
GMSH-16 used only Rs 1.87 crore of Rs 40.44 crore available under its Rogi Kalyan Samiti fund in 2024-25.
The audit said the unused Rs 38.57 crore could have supported treatment, transport, food and attendants’ accommodation for disadvantaged patients.
Under RKS guidelines, at least two-thirds of service revenue should be spent on patient welfare.
Twenty fingerprint scanners costing Rs 20.40 lakh were bought in 2021-22 but remained largely unused for years.
Hospital officials cited required permissions and procedures, while an activist called for accountability and corrective action.
- Who
- Government Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh; its administration; government auditors; and activist R K Garg.
- What
- A government audit flagged the non-utilisation of most Rogi Kalyan Samiti funds and the prolonged non-use of fingerprint scanners.
- Where
- Government Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh.
- When
- The fund findings concern 2024-25; the scanners were purchased in 2021-22, with most issued on March 19, 2025.
- Why
- Auditors said funds meant for patient welfare were not used and that excess procurement blocked public money without productive use.
Audit and Critics
Hospital Administration
Use of patient-welfare funds
Audit and Critics
The audit said leaving Rs 38.57 crore unused defeated the RKS objective of reducing financial hardship and contravened prescribed rules. R K Garg said responsibility should be fixed and corrective measures taken.
Hospital Administration
Director of Health Services Dr Suman Singh said the funds could be used only after following the prescribed procedure and obtaining the required permissions.
Fingerprint scanner procurement
Audit and Critics
Auditors said buying 20 scanners beyond the actual requirement was irregular, blocked public funds and caused the loss of warranty time without productive use.
Hospital Administration
Suman Singh said biometric attendance systems had since been installed at several locations and fingerprint sensors were now available where required.
Key facts
- Hospital
- Government Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh
- RKS funds available
- Rs 40.44 crore in 2024-25
- RKS funds used
- Rs 1.87 crore for patient welfare in 2024-25
- RKS funds untouched
- Rs 38.57 crore
- Scanner procurement
- 20 fingerprint scanners costing Rs 20.40 lakh
- Purchase period
- 2021-22
- RKS spending rule
- At least two-thirds of service-generated revenue should be spent on patient welfare
Quotes
Government audit
Audit findings on the use of Rogi Kalyan Samiti funds at GMSH-16
“When funds are specifically earmarked for patient welfare but remain unutilised, responsibility must be fixed for the failure to use them. There should be a clear explanation from the authorities concerned, along with corrective measures to ensure that public funds meant for patients are actually put to use. Similarly, procurement should be based on genuine requirements so that taxpayers’ money does not remain blocked in unused equipment”
indianexpress.com
“primarily meant for patient welfare and that their non-utilisation defeated the very objective of the scheme — ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare while minimising financial hardship for patients”
indianexpress.com
Dr Suman Singh
Director of Health Services responsible for the institute’s functioning
“As and when we receive the funds and the required permissions, we utilise them. There is a procedure that has to be followed”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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