ACB, Food Safety and Drugs Control Officials Conduct Surprise Raids at NIMS — Here's Why

Officials from the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Food Safety Department and Drugs Control Department conducted surprise inspections at the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad on Thursday, October 29, amid allegations of irregularities involving the hospital's canteen, medical stores and surgical stores.

According to media reports, the inspections were linked to an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption and financial irregularities associated with NIMS. The coordinated action focused on records, transactions and compliance with the relevant regulations.

Investigation Linked to Lakshmi Bhaskar Case

The ACB investigation reportedly relates to allegations of corruption and assets disproportionate to known sources of income involving NIMS Additional Medical Superintendent Nori Lakshmi Bhaskar.

As part of the inquiry, officials are examining activities in certain hospital departments, including transactions and records connected with the canteen, medical stores and surgical stores.

The inspection reportedly includes scrutiny of bills, procurement documents, contracts, tenders and payment records to identify possible discrepancies.

Food Safety Officials Inspect Hospital Canteen

Food Safety Department officials inspected the hospital canteen to assess food quality, kitchen hygiene, storage practices and compliance with food safety standards.

The inspection focused on whether food served to patients, attendants and visitors was being prepared and stored under hygienic conditions. Reports also indicated that food samples were collected for testing.

The findings of the inspections and any laboratory test results will be important in determining whether food safety regulations were violated.

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Drugs Control Officials Examine Medical Supplies

Meanwhile, Drugs Control Department officials inspected the surgical stores and related medical supply facilities. They reportedly examined medicine stocks, procurement records, supply documents and the storage of pharmaceutical products.

The inspection also focused on compliance with applicable rules, including the handling of medicines and the possibility of expired drugs or discrepancies between recorded and actual stock.

The review is expected to help establish whether procurement and storage procedures were followed correctly.

Allegations of ₹50 Lakh in Annual Bribes

Some media reports have referred to allegations that bribes amounting to approximately ₹50 lakh annually were associated with dealings involving the canteen and medical stores.

Officials are reportedly examining relevant records and transactions as part of the wider inquiry. However, the exact amount, the nature of the alleged payments and the responsibility of any individuals must be established through the investigation.

The allegations should not be treated as proven facts unless confirmed by the competent authorities.

Further Action Awaits Inspection Findings

The coordinated inspections at one of Hyderabad's major government healthcare institutions have drawn attention to the management of hospital services, food safety and medical supplies.

The documents collected, stock verification and food safety findings may help determine whether further action is warranted. The outcome will depend on the evidence gathered and the conclusions reached by the investigating authorities.

Note: This report is based on media reports available at the time of writing. The allegations remain subject to official verification, and the findings of the investigation should be confirmed before publication.

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