Corruption Case Filed Against Businessman and Officials Over Medical Equipment Procurement

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIIA) took a significant step by filing a corruption case worth Rs30 million at the Special Court on Sunday. The case involves allegations of irregularities in the procurement of medical equipment, targeting seven individuals and a company, including businessman Bishal Pandit.

The accusation revolves around the procurement process for equipment at the Koshi Provincial Hospital, where Pandit’s company allegedly secured a contract through collusion with officials, thereby unfairly excluding other lower bidders.

Bishal Pandit, known also as the owner of the Kathmandu-based Basera Boutique Hotel, has previously faced controversies regarding the procurement of medical supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Among those charged alongside Pandit are Kushal Dahal, a biomedical engineer at Province Health Logistics Management Centre Biratnagar; Chandra Dev Mehta, the former director of Health Directorate Dhankuta; Dandar Singh Bishwakarma, the former accounts officer of Health Directorate Dhankuta; Udesh Kumar Shrestha, a vaccination officer; Laxmi Prasad Acharya, the marketing manager of Hospitech Enterprises, and the company itself.

The move by the CIIA underscores the commitment to combat corruption within the procurement processes, particularly in vital sectors like healthcare. This case will be closely watched as it progresses through the legal system, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in public dealings.