The Karnataka Lokayukta on Friday launched a suo motu investigation into alleged mismanagement, irregularities, and malpractice at the State-run Kidwai Memorial Cancer Hospital after receiving an anonymous complaint.
Observing that an advance notice to hospital authorities could result in evidence being destroyed, Lokayukta B.S. Patil went for a surprise check.
During his inspection, several lapses came to light. The hospital is being managed by an IAS officer holding an additional charge as the administrative head, who visits only once a week. The shortage of doctors and support staff was flagged as a serious concern given the patient load.
At the Central Drug Store, officials revealed that 40% of drug costs are borne by the State government and 60% by the Centre, making high-cost medicines accessible at heavily subsidised rates. However, patients complained that several prescribed medicines, including Enzalutamide 160 mg and Exylete, were not available in the hospital pharmacy. Some staff were allegedly directing patients to private medical stores to purchase these drugs. The Lokayukta directed the hospital director to take immediate action against such practices and submit a compliance report.
Arun Kumar of the Paediatric Department informed the Lokayukta that 618 new cancer cases had been registered in the past year, with a recovery rate of 60-65%. The hospital has also performed 15 successful bone marrow transplants in the last 18 months, covering 30 children and 85 adults, Mr. Kumar said.
Justice B.S. Patil ordered the inspection team to conduct a department-wide audit and prepare a detailed report on the irregularities reported at the hospital.
Published – September 26, 2025 08:35 pm IST
