Serious Allegations Against RML Hospital Medical Superintendent; Demand for High-Level Inquiry Intensifies

Complaint Sent to PMO and Health Ministry Raises Questions Over Qualifications, Service Records and Financial Practices

New Delhi: A detailed complaint submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has raised serious allegations against Dr. Vivek Diwan, Medical Superintendent at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) and Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML Hospital), New Delhi. The complaint has called for a high-level vigilance inquiry into alleged discrepancies in qualifications, service records, and procurement processes.

According to the complaint, Dr. Diwan’s publicly displayed qualifications include MD (Pediatrics), DNB, MRCP (UK), MRCH CH (UK), and FPN. The complainant has questioned whether certain foreign qualifications were pursued during active government service without obtaining mandatory approvals under Central Government rules.

The complaint alleges that foreign medical qualifications such as MRCP (UK) would typically require prior permission, including a No Objection Certificate (NOC) with vigilance clearance from RML Hospital, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and the Ministry of Health under Central Health Services (CHS) regulations. It further claims that pursuing overseas training while drawing government salary, if done without authorization, could constitute a violation of Central Civil Services (CCS) Rules.

The complaint has also referred to records reportedly available with the National Medical Commission (NMC), which allegedly mention an MRCPsych (UK) qualification, raising questions about whether the official documentation corresponds with the credentials displayed publicly and whether the necessary supporting records are in place. Additionally, as the Medical Superintendent currently functions as the Head of Office, concerns have been expressed regarding the need to safeguard the integrity of records and ensure that the inquiry process remains independent and impartial. In view of the seriousness of the allegations and in the interest of transparency, demands have been made for the concerned officer to be transferred from the post pending the completion of the inquiry and related proceedings.

The complainant has sought clarification regarding the institutions from which the foreign qualifications were obtained, the exact nature of the degrees, and whether formal study leave or government approval was granted during the period concerned.

In addition to concerns regarding academic credentials, the complaint has sought a detailed technical and financial audit of the machinery and equipment procured for the Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit during Dr. Diwan’s tenure. It further alleges that if overseas education was undertaken without proper authorization while continuing to receive government salary and benefits, it could potentially constitute misuse of public funds. The complainant has therefore requested a thorough examination of all related approvals, expenditures, and procurement procedures to ensure transparency and compliance with established government rules and regulations.

The complaint has urged the Central Government to initiate a comprehensive vigilance inquiry into the matter, including a detailed examination of service records from 1997 to 2001. It has also called for verification of the alleged foreign qualifications through the concerned authorities in the United Kingdom, along with a thorough review of all related NOCs, vigilance clearances, and study leave approvals granted during the period in question. Additionally, the complaint demands an independent technical and financial audit of procurement processes carried out in the hospital, particularly concerning medical equipment and machinery. Pending the outcome of the inquiry, it has further sought consideration of administrative action, including transfer from the current post, to ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in the institution.

The allegations have not yet been officially responded to by the concerned authorities. No statement has been issued by Dr. Diwan or the hospital administration at the time of reporting. The complaint states that transparency and accountability in senior healthcare administration are essential to maintain public trust in government medical institutions. Any procedural irregularities, it argues, could impact institutional credibility and public confidence. Further developments are awaited.