Munish Sood
Mandi
The Himachal Pradesh Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has widened its investigation into the controversial implementation of the Himcare health insurance scheme at IGMC Shimla, with former Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Janak Raj now summoned for questioning.
The latest development comes soon after former minister and Congress MLA Sudhir Sharma was questioned in connection with the probe, bringing the functioning of the scheme at the state’s premier medical institute under increased scrutiny.
Dr Janak Raj has been asked to appear before the investigating officer at the Vigilance headquarters in Shimla at 11.30 am on August 20. He may alternatively record his statement at the office of the Senior Medical Superintendent at IGMC Shimla.
The summons issued by the Special Investigation Unit of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau specifically refers to the ongoing investigation into the implementation and functioning of Himcare at IGMC.
Dr Janak Raj served as Senior Medical Superintendent at IGMC from March 31, 2018, to October 18, 2022. The Vigilance has noted that the office of the Senior Medical Superintendent carried administrative, supervisory and monitoring responsibilities in relation to the implementation of the scheme.
The agency has sought his statement and clarification on how Himcare was implemented, administered, supervised and monitored at IGMC during his tenure.
Probe moves deeper into Himcare’s functioning
The summoning of a former senior administrative official marks another significant step in the Vigilance investigation, which is now examining the institutional mechanism through which Himcare operated at IGMC.
The development could put the spotlight on the decision-making and monitoring processes followed at the hospital, including the manner in which the scheme was administered during the period under investigation.
The Himcare scheme, launched to provide cashless healthcare to eligible families, has been a major component of the state’s healthcare policy. Any irregularities in its implementation at a major government hospital therefore have wider implications for the delivery of the scheme and the use of public funds.
With the questioning of Sudhir Sharma followed by the summons to Dr Janak Raj, the Vigilance investigation appears to be expanding its scope to people who had different administrative or political roles connected with the functioning of the scheme.
The bureau has stated that Dr Janak Raj’s presence is necessary for a fair and expeditious investigation. His summoning does not, by itself, imply guilt or establish any wrongdoing, and his statement is being sought as part of the ongoing inquiry.
The next stage of the investigation is likely to focus on records, administrative decisions and the chain of responsibility surrounding the implementation and monitoring of Himcare at IGMC during the period under scrutiny.
