Lokayukta orders probe into alleged irregularities at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology

The Karnataka Lokayukta has initiated a suo motu inquiry into alleged irregularities, administrative lapses and mismanagement at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru following an anonymous complaint.

Taking cognisance of the allegations, Justice B.S. Patil ordered a detailed investigation and directed officials concerned to furnish explanations.

A team comprising judicial and police wing of the Lokayukta was constituted to examine records, inspect hospital departments and seize relevant documents if necessary under a search warrant.

The Lokayukta visited the hospital earlier and noted several deficiencies. During a hearing on February 25, hospital Director Naveen, administrative officer Harish, and accounts officer Venkateshappa appeared before the authority.

The inquiry focused on the non-availability of critical medicines, including protein-based therapies and Trastuzumab. The hospital administration informed the Lokayukta that correspondence had been made with the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust to ensure supply of the drugs and that the matter was under consideration.

Expressing concern, the Lokayukta directed that not only the two medicines in question but all essential drugs required for cancer treatment must be supplied without delay to ensure uninterrupted care for poor patients. Directions were also issued to the Health and Family Welfare Department and the Trust’s Executive Director to take immediate steps and submit a compliance report.

The authority further instructed officials to streamline pre-authorisation procedures for protein therapy investigations and follow-up treatment courses to avoid hardship to patients.

The Lokayukta observed procedural bottlenecks affecting beneficiaries under government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Arogya Karnataka. The officials were directed to coordinate with the Health Department and remove administrative hurdles to ensure eligible patients receive timely treatment.

Acute shortage of doctors

During an earlier visit on September 26, 2025, the Lokayukta flagged an acute shortage of doctors in the Medical Oncology Department. The administration stated that despite the government fixing a salary of ₹1.20 lakh per month, specialists were reluctant to join duty. Some existing doctors had also submitted resignations.

The Lokayukta advised the government to introduce incentives and other measures to attract and retain qualified specialists and suggested that retired professors be encouraged to serve the institution.

Cleanliness and infrastructure

Concerns were also raised regarding hygiene in wards, dormitories and hospital premises during the September inspection. The Director informed the authority that corrective steps had resulted in nearly 80% improvement in cleanliness standards. The Lokayukta, however, directed the administration to achieve 100% compliance.

After reviewing submissions from officials of the Medical Education Department, Health and Family Welfare Services, and the hospital administration, the Lokayukta directed them to file a detailed action-taken report. The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for April 24.