THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, May 26: Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi on Tuesday levelled serious allegations against the Jharkhand Health Department, accusing the Hemant Soren government of large-scale corruption, irregular appointments and financial mismanagement. He demanded a CBI inquiry into the entire matter.
Addressing a press conference, Marandi alleged that the Jharkhand Medical and Health Infrastructure Development and Procurement Corporation Limited (JMHIDPCL) had become a centre for “loot, kickbacks and tender manipulation”. He claimed corruption had become institutionalised under the present government.
Questions Raised Over Consultant’s Extension
Marandi alleged that rules were violated in the appointment and repeated extension of consultant Shailendra Srivastava at JMHIDPCL.
According to him, state rules framed in 2016 allowed service extension to retired officials for a maximum of three years, while a 2022 rule made Chief Minister’s approval mandatory for any extension beyond that period.
He claimed that despite these provisions, Srivastava was appointed for a fourth consecutive year on December 12, 2025, without the Chief Minister’s approval, and continues in the same position for a fifth year.
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Ambulance Procurement Scam Alleged
The BJP leader also cited alleged irregularities in ambulance procurement. He claimed that 206 ambulances purchased in June 2022 for Rs 55.58 crore remained unused at Namkum for over a year.
Marandi alleged that despite this, a fresh tender worth nearly Rs 80 crore had been floated in 2026 for the procurement of 237 new ambulances.
Referring to the CAG report, he alleged serious irregularities in procurement, utilisation, technical evaluation and asset management.
Expired Medicines, Oxygen Tank Irregularities Flagged
Marandi further alleged that life-saving medicines worth crores expired in warehouses without reaching patients.
He also referred to alleged irregularities in oxygen tank contracts during the Covid-19 pandemic, claiming a Rs 24-crore project was awarded to an ineligible company lacking the required experience and safety certifications.
He alleged that another bidder also failed to meet turnover eligibility conditions but was still considered in the process.
Demand for Re-Audit and CBI Inquiry
The former Chief Minister demanded a re-audit of JMHIDPCL and asked the state government to make the complete audit report public.
He also sought legal action based on irregularities highlighted in the CAG report and demanded an independent CBI probe into the alleged role of officials, including those in the Health Department and the Chief Minister’s Office.
Marandi said the BJP would investigate all such alleged irregularities if voted to power in Jharkhand.