Gurgaon: Four ambulances at BK Civil Hospital in Faridabad have remained off the road for months, yet diesel continued to be drawn against their fuel cards. A hospital source estimated that nearly Rs 50 lakh worth of fuel was consumed against the four vehicles.The discrepancy came to light after state headquarters analysed fuel-card transactions and found entries against the non-operational ambulances. Following the findings, Faridabad deputy civil surgeon (NHM) issued a show-cause notice to the RTS fleet manager on Oct 16, seeking an explanation, transaction details and the names of employees responsible.According to the notice, two ambulances, HR38GV3491 and HR38GV9863, had been lying near the hospital mortuary for three to four months, yet fuel was drawn against both until Oct 11. The other two, HR38Z0951 and HR38GV1670, had been at the agency’s workshop since Jan and Aug, respectively, but their fuel cards recorded refills until Sept 16 and Oct 11.The deputy civil surgeon described the discrepancy as a prima facie indication of serious financial irregularities, potentially amounting to embezzlement of govt funds.The fleet manager was asked to provide vehicle-wise details of fuel drawn, including dates, quantities, amounts, refuelling locations and names of those responsible. The department also sought written explanations from the employees concerned and details of action taken against them. The notice warned that disciplinary action could follow if the response was not received or found satisfactory, and that the matter would be reported to higher authorities.“The discrepancy raises questions about who authorised the refuelling, how fuel bills were verified and why transactions continued even when the vehicles were not in service. Chief medical officer Dr Jayant Ahuja has set up a committee to investigate,” said a health department official.Dr Virender Yadav, director, NHM, told TOI, “We have initiated an inquiry into the matter.” CMO Jayant Ahuja declined to comment.The issue also affects patients who depend on the hospital’s ambulance service for emergency transport and referrals to higher medical centres. According to hospital staff, BK Civil Hospital had eight ambulances under the 108 service, but only four were being operated. With half the fleet unavailable, patients needing emergency transfers face difficulties when the operational ambulances are occupied.Staff also alleged other irregularities. “There were some complaints that patients were being diverted from referrals to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi to private nursing homes in Faridabad. The ambulance drivers and emergency medical technicians received commissions of 15-20% from private facilities. Also, journeys to nearby private hospitals, located around 2-10 km away, were recorded as trips to Safdarjung Hospital, which involves a round trip of approximately 65 km. Such discrepancies could also have inflated fuel consumption and expenditure,” staff alleged.
