NEW DELHI: A sharp rise in the cancer medicines bill at Lucknow’s King George’s Medical University (KGMU) has led to the exposure of an alleged financial scam estimated at nearly Rs 2 crore.
The suspected irregularity, linked to medicines distributed under the government’s Asadhya Yojana, has put the university administration and the Urology Department under intense scrutiny.
The issue surfaced after officials detected an unusual increase in expenditure on high-value medicines over just a few months.
What initially appeared to be a billing anomaly soon turned into a wider investigation into an alleged misuse of drugs issued in the names of patients.
Expenditure shot up within months
According to KGMU officials, medicine consumption in the department remained close to Rs 10 lakh during October and November 2025.
However, the figures climbed rapidly in the following months, touching nearly Rs 40 lakh in February 2026 and crossing Rs 45 lakh in March.
The sudden escalation raised concerns within the administration, prompting a closer review of records linked to prescriptions, billing and medicine distribution.
Three staff members removed
As the investigation widened, KGMU administration removed three contractual employees linked to the medicine counter from active duty.
KGMU spokesperson Dr KK Singh confirmed that the staff members had been attached to the Head of Department’s office during the inquiry period and would not be allowed to leave Lucknow until the investigation concludes.
Five-member panel begins investigation
The university has formed a five-member inquiry committee to examine the allegations and identify responsibility in the matter. The panel is expected to submit its findings shortly.
According to the administration, strict action will follow if wrongdoing is established.
Officials indicated that measures could include registration of FIRs, recovery proceedings and termination of services against those found guilty.
Inquiry points to suspected misuse
A preliminary probe reportedly found signs of irregular consumption of medicines valued at around Rs 2 crore.
Officials began examining documents on May 28 after ordering an internal audit into transactions connected to the department.
During the scrutiny, investigators allegedly found multiple instances where costly strength-enhancing and protein injections were shown as administered repeatedly in the names of patients within short intervals.
Officials noted that the injections under review generally cost between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 per dose.
Investigators are now examining whether treatment records were manipulated to reflect excessive usage of medicines funded through the government healthcare scheme.
The inquiry has also raised concerns regarding compliance with procedures related to cancer treatment.
Authorities are checking whether medicines were shown as issued without adherence to mandatory admission protocols for patients. - The Statesman/ANN
