A major financial irregularity has surfaced in the Health Department after an accountant posted at the Civil Hospital blood bank under the National Health Mission (NHM) was accused of allegedly misappropriating more than ₹19.14 lakh over the past three years. According to the preliminary inquiry, the accused allegedly diverted money collected from private hospitals for blood supplied by the government blood bank into his personal account instead of depositing it into the designated government account. A departmental committee has been constituted to investigate the matter in detail.
According to officials, government blood banks are authorised to collect a prescribed processing fee from private hospitals when blood units are supplied for admitted patients. The amount is required to be deposited directly into the government account. However, investigators allege that the accountant, identified as Akhil, failed to deposit a substantial portion of the collected funds over the last three financial years.
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The alleged irregularities came to light after the inquiry committee compared bank statements with official receipt books and found significant discrepancies between the amount collected and the amount deposited. A review of records from previous years subsequently revealed the extent of the suspected embezzlement.
According to the preliminary findings, during the 2023–24 financial year, ₹10,97,700 was collected, but only ₹82,500 was deposited, leaving ₹10,15,200 allegedly unaccounted for. In 2024–25, receipts totalled ₹7,34,700, of which only ₹2,37,600 was deposited, while ₹4,97,100 was allegedly not credited to the government account. During 2025–26, ₹5,90,600 was collected, but only ₹1,88,100 was deposited, with the remaining amount also allegedly missing. Officials said another account is still under examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
The inquiry committee directed the accused to produce financial records, cash books, and related documents. However, according to officials, the required records were not submitted during the investigation.
The case reportedly surfaced after administrative responsibility for collecting blood bank payments was transferred. On May 6, 2025, the responsibility for collection was reassigned from Akhil to Data Manager-cum-Accountant Rajeev. Despite the order, investigators allege that Akhil delayed handing over the charge and continued collecting payments until March 2026. The alleged discrepancies came to light during the financial year-end reconciliation of records and bank transactions, prompting a detailed departmental inquiry.
Officials noted that Akhil joined the National Health Mission as an accountant on September 16, 2019. In view of the seriousness of the allegations, the department has recommended a special audit covering his entire tenure. Investigators believe that a comprehensive examination of financial records may reveal additional irregularities. The departmental inquiry remains in progress, and further action will be taken based on its findings.
