In a recent development, Delhi's Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena has called for a detailed investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into what appears to be a concerning issue involving the Delhi government-run hospitals. This request for a CBI probe stems from allegations of the use of counterfeit or substandard medicines in these hospitals.

This action by the Lieutenant Governor puts Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, in a challenging position. The allegations suggest a serious breach of trust and duty, as the health and well-being of patients depend heavily on the quality of medicines provided in government hospitals. If these allegations are proven true, it could indicate a significant lapse in the healthcare system under Kejriwal's administration.

The Lieutenant Governor's move is based on reports that have surfaced, indicating the possibility of fake or substandard drugs being supplied to Delhi government hospitals. In response to these troubling reports, V K Saxena, who oversees the administration of the national capital, has taken a decisive step. He has written to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, directing him to ensure a thorough investigation into these claims.

The request for a CBI inquiry is particularly noteworthy as it signals the gravity of the situation. The CBI, known for its comprehensive investigative capabilities, is expected to delve deeply into these allegations. This includes examining how these medicines were procured, who was involved in the supply chain, and whether there were any lapses or deliberate acts of malpractice.

Officials from Raj Niwas, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor, confirmed this development on Saturday. They highlighted the need for an inquiry into the alleged procurement and supply of "non-standard" drugs in the hospitals run by the Delhi government. This term "non-standard" suggests that the medicines in question may not meet the necessary quality or safety standards, which is a serious concern for patient care.

In response to the escalating concerns about the alleged use of substandard medicines in Delhi government-run hospitals, Gopal Rai, the Environment Minister of Delhi and the Delhi state convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has addressed the issue. His comments came when he was approached by reporters on the sidelines of a press conference.

Minister Gopal Rai assured the Press Trust of India (PTI) that the Delhi government is preparing a comprehensive response to these allegations. This indicates that the government is taking the claims seriously and is working on a detailed explanation or rebuttal. Such a response is crucial in maintaining public trust, especially given the gravity of the allegations and the potential impact on patient health.

However, Rai also expressed a concern that could resonate with many. He suggested that there might be underlying motives behind these inquiries. Specifically, Rai alleged that such investigations could be attempts to hinder the functioning of the Delhi government. This perspective introduces a political dimension to the issue, implying that the inquiries into the alleged drug scandal might be used as a tool to obstruct or slow down the government's work.

Meanwhile, officials from Raj Niwas, the office of the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, shed more light on the situation. They disclosed that in a note to Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena expressed his concerns about the scale of the issue. The Lt Governor pointed out that these allegedly substandard medicines were being given to lakhs (hundreds of thousands) of patients. This revelation highlights the potential magnitude of the problem.

The Lieutenant Governor's note underscores the seriousness of the situation. If the allegations are accurate, it means that a vast number of patients might have been exposed to medicines that do not meet the required standards. This could have significant implications for their health and treatment outcomes. It also raises questions about the checks and balances within the healthcare system and the processes used to procure and distribute medicines in government hospitals.

The Lieutenant Governor noted that these questionable drugs were procured by the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) under the Delhi Health Services (DHS). They were not only supplied to Delhi government hospitals but might also have reached the 'Mohalla Clinics', a network of community clinics established by the Delhi government. This broad distribution raises concerns about the potential impact on public health across various healthcare facilities in Delhi.

The drugs in question were tested by both government and private analysts/laboratories as per the rules and statutory provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. Alarmingly, they were found to be 'Not of Standard Quality'. This categorization suggests that these drugs do not meet the necessary safety and efficacy standards, posing a serious risk to patients.

"It is with a sense of deep concern that I have perused the file. I am, to say the least, anguished at the fact that lakhs of hapless people and patients are being supplied fake drugs that have failed quality standard tests," read the note to Kumar. These drugs, procured by the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) under the Delhi Health Services (DHS), were supplied to Delhi government hospitals and may also have been supplied to the 'Mohalla Clinics', the Lt Governor said in his note.

"Tested by government as well as private analysts/laboratories as per rules and statutory provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, these have failed and are categorised as 'Not of Standard Quality'," he said. Saxena, in his note, also said that "these drugs procured by spending huge budgetary resources are a grave threat to public health and safety" and have the "potential of endangering lives of people". "Prima facie, apart from CPA-DHS, GNCTD, there are suppliers, manufacturers situated in other states and drug controllers in those states associated in this whole exercise," he said.

The Lt Governor said accordingly, as proposed at "Para 35, since the matter of ''Mohalla Clinics'' is already entrusted to the CBI, this case, which may, inter alia, also involve supply of these failed ''Not of Standard Quality'' drugs to such clinics, may also be entrusted to the central agency, especially in light of the fact that the investigation therein involves multi inter-state stakeholders including CPA- DHS, GNCTD, suppliers/dealers, manufacturers in other states and other state agencies".

The Directorate of Vigilance had submitted a report in the matter. There were complaints of sub-standard medicines being supplied in Delhi government hospitals. Subsequently, samples were collected from the government hospitals, the Raj Niwas officials said. Responding to queries on the issue, Rai said he had not seen the details of the matter.

"The government will give its response after a detailed study. But such a system of sending matters for inquiries to the CBI has become a medium of obstructing work of the government. Officers stop taking decisions on matters. But in this matter, the government will study it," he told PTI.

Sources within the AAP government claimed that a complaint against a senior health department official had been sent to the Lieutenant Governor previously. They questioned whether the Lieutenant Governor would take action against this official, who was also allegedly responsible for halting the 'Dilli Ke Farishte' scheme, a healthcare initiative of the Delhi government. These sources had previously requested the Lieutenant Governor to remove this official, indicating ongoing concerns within the government about the management of the health department.

"Now, will the Lt Governor take action against this officer? The same official was responsible for stopping the 'Dilli Ke Farishte' scheme. We had earlier requested the Lt Governor to remove this official," a source said.