Gurgaon: Four employees of Faridabad’s health department have been transferred following an inquiry into allegations of financial irregularities and embezzlement of fuel funds, reported by TOI. The four employees — who were working under the civil surgeon — have been transferred to National Health Mission (NHM) headquarters in Panchkula for three months or until the final inquiry into alleged irregularities involving four govt ambulances is completed.The health department staffers — fleet manager (referral transport) Harkesh Dagar; control room operator (general duty, referral transport) Anil Kumar; control room operator (general duty, referral transport) Dhananjay Partap; and control room operator (referral transport) Anil Yadav — have been directed to report to NHM headquarters immediately and join duty in the referral transport department no later than Nov 10. A preliminary inquiry has estimated the suspected embezzlement at Rs 5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh, while a detailed investigation is underway to establish the actual amount involved and fix responsibility.The inquiry found serious discrepancies in ambulance records, fuel billings and management of the referral transport system. A letter issued by NHM Haryana’s mission director on Nov 5 — accessed by TOI — said, “The preliminary inquiry had found serious irregularities in the records and management of referral transport, particularly four ambulances under the supervision of the employees.”The letter said the employees had been prima facie found responsible for irregularities and discrepancies in ambulance records, including financial irregularities and dereliction of duty. It cited instances of govt ambulances being physically off-road but shown as running on paper, misuse of govt funds through fuel billings, logbook discrepancies and misutilisation of petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL). The memo said action would be initiated against them in accordance with applicable rules and regulations after completion of the inquiry and receipt of the final findings.The case came to light after allegations that nearly Rs 50 lakh worth of diesel had been billed for four ambulances that remained non-operational for months. TOI had earlier reported the alleged diesel billing irregularities and the inquiry initiated by the health department. According to details examined during the preliminary inquiry, two ambulances, bearing registration numbers HR38GV3491 and HR38GV9863, were parked near the hospital’s mortuary for around three to four months. Another ambulance was reportedly at a workshop since Jan, while the fourth had been there since Aug.The Nov 5 letter lists the four vehicles as HR38GV3491, HR38GV9863, HR38GV9263 and HR38GV1670. Their records are being examined as part of the detailed investigation. The inquiry is also examining fuel-card transactions linked to the vehicles. Records indicated that fuel cards continued to be used until Sept 16 in one case and Oct 11 in another, despite questions over the operational status of the ambulances.The health department had earlier issued a notice on Oct 16 seeking details of fuel transactions and the employees responsible for the vehicles. A four-member inquiry panel was constituted to examine fuel expenditure, periods of non-operation, vehicle movement, consumption records, fuel-card transactions and approvals. The panel was asked to submit its report by Nov 5. The preliminary findings have now prompted the administrative transfer of the four employees, while the detailed inquiry continues.Officials said the Rs 5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh estimate was based on the preliminary examination and should not be treated as the final amount involved. The detailed inquiry is expected to establish the actual financial loss, identify discrepancies in records and determine responsibility. The final findings will determine further action against those found responsible.
