On Friday, the Karnataka Lokayukta launched a proactive *suo motu* investigation into serious allegations of mismanagement, systemic irregularities, and questionable practices at the state-owned Kidwai Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bengaluru. This decisive move followed an anonymous complaint that raised grave concerns about patient care and operational integrity.
Lokayukta B.S. Patil, emphasizing the need to prevent any tampering with evidence, opted for an unannounced inspection, a decision that proved crucial. His surprise visit brought to light a disturbing array of deficiencies within the hospital’s operations.
Among the most pressing issues identified was the lack of consistent administrative oversight. It was revealed that an IAS officer, who holds additional charges, serves as the administrative head but makes only a single visit per week. Furthermore, a severe shortage of doctors and essential support staff was flagged as a critical concern, especially considering the immense patient volume the hospital caters to.
The Central Drug Store, designed to provide affordable medication, also became a focal point of concern. While officials stated that 40% of drug costs are covered by the State government and 60% by the Centre, ensuring access to high-cost medicines at significantly subsidized rates, patients told a different story. Many reported that vital prescribed drugs, such as Enzalutamide 160 mg and Exylete, were consistently unavailable in the hospital’s pharmacy. Even more alarmingly, there were allegations that certain staff members were actively directing vulnerable patients to private medical stores to procure these essential medications. Lokayukta Patil has issued a firm directive to the hospital director to take immediate and stringent action against these unethical practices and to submit a comprehensive compliance report without delay.
Amidst these troubling revelations, a ray of positive news emerged from the Paediatric Department. Arun Kumar informed the Lokayukta that 618 new cancer cases had been registered in the past year, boasting a commendable recovery rate of 60-65%. The department also highlighted its success in performing 15 bone marrow transplants over the last 18 months, benefiting 30 children and 85 adults.
Concluding his impactful visit, Justice B.S. Patil mandated that the inspection team conduct a thorough, department-wide audit. The objective is to produce a detailed report meticulously outlining all identified irregularities and recommending decisive corrective actions to improve the hospital’s functioning.