Uttar Pradesh Sets Up Probe Committee to Investigate KGMU Medicine Procurement Scandal

Lucknow – In a move that has drawn both applause and skepticism, the Uttar Pradesh government announced on Tuesday the creation of a probe committee to examine alleged irregularities in the purchase of medicines for King George’s Medical University (KGMU). The decision comes after media reports and a few whistle‑blowers hinted at over‑pricing and procedural lapses in contracts worth several crores.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, speaking at a press conference in the state secretariat, said the administration could not turn a blind eye to any possible misuse of public funds. “If there is any violation of the law, we will act swiftly. Transparency and accountability are non‑negotiable,” he asserted, before handing over a sealed folder to the newly appointed committee head.

The probe will be led by former Chief Secretary S.K. Sharma, a senior bureaucrat with a reputation for thoroughness. Sharma is expected to examine tender documents, price quotations, and the chain of approvals that led to the procurement of antibiotics, anti‑viral drugs and other essential medicines for KGMU’s hospitals.

Sources close to the matter say the committee has been given full access to the university’s procurement cell, the health department’s records and the bank statements of the vendors involved. “We want to leave no stone unturned,” Sharma reportedly told the media, adding that the team will also interview doctors, pharmacists and the procurement officials who signed off on the contracts.

According to the information that surfaced earlier this month, certain drugs were bought at rates that were 30‑40 % higher than the market price. The alleged vendors, a mix of private firms and a few linked to political figures, are said to have benefited from an opaque bidding process.

The committee has been asked to submit its report within 30 days. If any irregularities are confirmed, the findings will be forwarded to the state’s anti‑corruption bureau and, potentially, to the central agencies for further action.

Reactions have been mixed. While opposition leaders have welcomed the probe as a step toward accountability, they have also warned that “a superficial inquiry will do little to restore public faith.” On the other hand, some medical practitioners at KGMU expressed cautious optimism, hoping that a transparent investigation could help restore the university’s tarnished reputation.

In the meantime, the health department has assured that the supply of essential medicines will not be disrupted. “Patients will continue to receive care without any compromise,” said the department’s spokesperson.

As the state watches closely, the outcome of Sharma’s inquiry could set a precedent for how public‑sector procurement is handled in Uttar Pradesh moving forward.