Jabalpur: A major corruption scandal has surfaced in the Madhya Pradesh government’s ambitious “Mukhyamantri Sanjeevani Clinic” scheme, with a district-level investigation revealing large-scale financial irregularities. Clinics that lacked even basic medical equipment and computers were shown as fully equipped on official records, leading to the clearance of bills worth crores. Preliminary findings suggest that the total fraud could exceed ₹10 crore.
Investigators found it particularly shocking that several clinics had neither blood pressure machines nor computers, yet procurement records showed full purchases and payments. In addition, substantial funds were withdrawn in the name of repairs and whitewashing, even though many centres had not seen any maintenance work for the past two years.
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Last-minute ‘fixes’ attempted after probe began
Sources indicate that as soon as the inspection was initiated, printers were hastily sent to some clinics. However, doctors themselves questioned the move, pointing out that without computers, the printers were of no use. This hurried action has further deepened suspicion around the functioning of the scheme.
The probe team also discovered that equipment worth approximately ₹93 lakh was missing—neither found in storage nor at any clinic. Although entries existed in store registers, physical verification revealed that the items were never actually delivered, indicating clear manipulation of records and misuse of public funds.
Fake billing and paper purchases uncovered
The investigation revealed that over ₹1.75 crore was paid through around 13 fake bills for materials that were never purchased. Payments were also shown for cupboards and other furniture, but most clinics lacked these items entirely.
Similarly, large sums were withdrawn under the pretext of maintenance and painting, despite the visible absence of any such work. Walls in many clinics have reportedly not been painted for years, underscoring that the expenditure existed only on paper.
Doctors expose ground reality
Doctors posted at these clinics shared their difficulties during the inquiry. One medical officer stated that she had been using her personal tablet for the past two years to maintain patient records due to the absence of government-provided computers. Requests for essential equipment like BP machines had been pending for months and were only addressed after the investigation began.
Many doctors admitted they were forced to rely on personal resources to examine patients, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of the scheme.
50 clinics, yet basic facilities missing
Around 50 Sanjeevani Clinics are operational in Jabalpur district, but most lack basic infrastructure. The investigation confirmed that equipment for which payments were made is neither available in stores nor present at the clinics.
Probe widens, role of senior officials under suspicion
The preliminary report indicates that the scam may involve individuals at multiple levels, from local staff to higher अधिकारियों. Financial records dating back to 2021 are now under scrutiny, and investigators are examining all transactions in detail.
Sources suggest that as the probe progresses, the scale of the scam could expand further. The involvement of certain senior officials has already come under suspicion.
Action initiated against key accused
A senior health department official, believed to be the main आरोपी in the case, has been suspended with immediate effect. Additionally, members of the District Programme Management Unit have been removed, a pharmacist has been suspended, and action has been taken against contractual staff.
Serious questions over scheme’s credibility
Launched with the objective of providing free treatment and medicines to the गरीब at their doorstep, the scheme now faces serious credibility issues. The revelations not only expose administrative lapses but also highlight systemic failures in monitoring and accountability.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials expect more major disclosures in the coming days that could unravel the full extent of the network behind the scam.
