Bhopal: EOW Issues Notice To JNCHRC Chairman In ₹25 Crore Medicine Scam Investigation

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has issued a notice to Divya Parasar, chairman of Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (JNCHRC), in connection with a corruption case. The investigation stems from allegations of irregularities and corruption involving certain officials of JNCHRC.

In 2022, EOW began investigating the allegations of corruption and misconduct against some staff members at JNCHRC. The hospital, managed by the MP Cancer Chikitsa Evam Seva Samiti, is registered under the MP Societies Registration Act, 1973. The society operates JNCHRC and a paramedical institute located at Idgah Hills.

The hospital, a state-aided institution, has been allotted 12 acres of land at Idgah Hills for a nominal cost of just Re 1. Over the years, the facility has been receiving government grants for the purchase of medical equipment and construction of buildings. Each year, the hospital receives financial support from the state. According to the complaint, the matter involves a medicine purchasing scam worth Rs 25 crore.

It has also been reported that some members of the trust allegedly created shell companies to divert funds meant for purchasing medicines. The hospital requires medicines worth Rs 40 to Rs 50 crore annually. EOW inspector Umesh Mishra told Free Press, "A notice has been served to Divya Parasar, but she has not appeared for recording her statement with EOW. The notice was served on February 19, and she was asked to appear by February 24."