The Delhi government has suspended two senior health officials, including former Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal, in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement of medicines.
According to official orders issued by the Vigilance Branch of the Health and Family Welfare Department on June 9, the suspensions were carried out under Rule 10(1) of the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965, with immediate effect.
The officials placed under suspension are Dr. Vatsala Aggarwal, former DGHS, and Dr. Vinod Kumar Ranga, former Head of Office and Chief Public Analyst at Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial (BJRM) Hospital. The action was taken following directions from Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
While the government has not publicly disclosed the exact allegations, the suspension orders state that disciplinary proceedings are being contemplated against the two officers.
During the suspension period, both officials have been directed to remain stationed in Delhi and cannot leave headquarters without prior approval from the competent authority. They will also receive a subsistence allowance in accordance with Fundamental Rule 53, subject to compliance with prescribed conditions.
The development comes weeks after Dr. Aggarwal approached the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) challenging her transfer and placement under “awaiting posting” status without a new assignment. In her petition, she alleged that the move was arbitrary and punitive, linking it to a vigilance inspection conducted in the health department.
The petition stated that vigilance officials had sought files related to the procurement of medicines, surgical supplies and medical equipment on May 18 and 19. Dr. Aggarwal maintained that she cooperated fully with the inquiry, provided available records and requested duplicate files to ensure uninterrupted procurement and patient care.
Her counsel argued before the tribunal that despite her cooperation, she was removed from the DGHS post shortly after the vigilance exercise.