Cath Lab raid uncovers large stock of cardiac consumables; HOD shifted, high-level inquiry underway as administration assures uninterrupted patient care
Munish Sood
Dharamshala
One of Himachal Pradesh’s premier cardiac care facilities has come under intense scrutiny following a surprise inspection at the Cardiology Department of Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College (RPGMC), Tanda, which allegedly uncovered a large stock of cardiac consumables stored inside the Cath Lab in violation of established protocols.
The developments have triggered a high-level inquiry, led to the transfer of the department’s head and sparked a political controversy, even as hospital authorities insist that patient care will not be affected.
According to hospital sources, the surprise inspection was carried out by a team led by Principal Dr. Milap Sharma, accompanied by senior administrative officials. During the exercise, a substantial quantity of cardiac consumables, including stents, catheters and balloons used in angioplasty and other cardiac procedures, was reportedly recovered from storage areas within the Cath Lab.
The recovered material is now being scrutinized for manufacturing and expiry dates, procurement records and billing documents. A committee constituted by the Health Department is examining the financial trail and source of procurement to determine whether any procedural or financial irregularities occurred.
Principal Explains Administration’s Action
Addressing the media, Principal Dr. Milap Sharma said the inspection was initiated after the administration received credible complaints and confidential inputs regarding the accumulation of a large quantity of cardiac consumables inside the Cath Lab.
He clarified that under standard medical protocols, operation theatres and Cath Labs are permitted to keep only those consumables required for the day’s procedures or emergency situations.
“Maintaining such a large stock inside the Cath Lab is contrary to prescribed norms and warranted a thorough and impartial inquiry,” Dr. Sharma said.
The Principal also clarified reports regarding staff members being asked to switch off their mobile phones during the inspection.
He stated that the move was intended solely to prevent any possible tampering with evidence and to ensure transparency during the inspection process.
HOD Shifted, Posted as OSD
Amid the unfolding controversy, Head of the Department of Cardiology, Dr. Mukul Bhatnagar, has been relieved of his responsibilities and posted to the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), Shimla, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD).
Confirming the development, Dr. Sharma described it as an administrative decision taken by the government to facilitate departmental discipline and ensure a fair and unbiased inquiry.
The transfer has generated mixed reactions. While some doctors had reportedly raised concerns about the functioning of the department, many former patients and local residents have come out in support of Dr. Bhatnagar, crediting him with establishing and strengthening advanced cardiac care services at Tanda since 2013.
Supporters have alleged that internal departmental differences and administrative rivalries may have contributed to the developments, though no official confirmation has been made.
Patient Services Under Pressure
The controversy has also impacted healthcare delivery at the institution, which serves patients from Kangra, Chamba, Hamirpur, Una, Mandi and several adjoining districts.
Following the transfer and ongoing inquiry, the department experienced an acute shortage of specialist cardiologists, leading to delays in outpatient consultations and diagnostic procedures. Patients are reportedly facing waiting periods of several months for echocardiography and related investigations.
To ensure continuity of services, senior physicians from the Department of Medicine have been temporarily assigned to manage cardiology outpatient clinics.
Two Cardiologists Deployed
Seeking to reassure the public, Dr. Sharma announced that the government has immediately deputed two cardiologists to Tanda Medical College.
The doctors include Dr. Akki Kumar, Assistant Professor transferred from Hamirpur Medical College, and Dr. Soni Kumar, Assistant Professor transferred from Mandi Medical College.
According to the Principal, normal functioning of the Cardiology OPD and Cath Lab will be restored once the newly posted specialists formally assume charge.
“We will not allow patients to suffer. Every effort is being made to ensure uninterrupted cardiac care so that patients from Kangra and neighbouring districts are not forced to seek treatment in private hospitals,” he said.
Political Storm Erupts
The issue has meanwhile assumed political dimensions, with opposition leaders accusing the government of weakening one of the state’s most important healthcare institutions through administrative interventions and transfer policies.
Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has criticised the government’s handling of the situation, while BJP MLA Janak Raj has raised concerns over the impact on critically ill cardiac patients.
The government, however, maintains that the actions are aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and uninterrupted patient care.
Inquiry Continues
The high-level committee is currently examining the recovered consumables, procurement records, batch numbers and related financial transactions. Investigators are also expected to examine whether any external suppliers were involved in the alleged irregularities.
Officials have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that no final conclusions have yet been reached. The findings of the inquiry are expected to determine whether any violations of hospital procedures, procurement norms or financial regulations occurred.
Until then, one of Himachal Pradesh’s most important cardiac care centres remains at the centre of a controversy that has drawn the attention of patients, healthcare professionals and political leaders alike.
