CBI Uncovers Financial Irregularities in RG Kar Medical College Waste Management

A CBI investigation revealed that the firm managing waste for RG Kar Medical College and other state-run hospitals lacked a treatment plant. The firm, awarded the contract in 2019, had it terminated in 2023 for non-compliance. Despite tying up with another company, critical infrastructure was never established.

The CBI has uncovered significant financial irregularities at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, focusing on the firm managing its medical waste. According to an official, the firm, which also serves other state-run facilities, lacked the necessary treatment plants.

The company, relatively obscure before receiving the contract in 2019, had its agreement terminated in 2023 by the West Bengal government for not adhering to stipulated regulations. Initially, the firm operated from one of its investor's premises in Kolkata before partnering with a Delhi-based entity running a treatment plant in Uttar Pradesh to regain the contract.

Daily, the hospital sent an estimated 500-600 kg of used syringes, rubber gloves, and saline bottles to the firm. A former bureaucrat stated the contract was awarded according to regulations with a promise of infrastructure setup within four months post-clearance. Yet, crucial facilities were never constructed. State Health Secretary NS Nigam has declined to comment on the issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)