Arrest of Delhi Health DGHS Raises Questions Over Appointment Process
The arrest of Dr. Vatsala Agarwal, the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) of Delhi, in connection with an alleged multi-crore health procurement scam has sparked a political controversy over her appointment. The Delhi government's Anti-Corruption Branch arrested Dr. Agarwal on Saturday for alleged irregularities in the procurement of medicines, surgical items, and medical equipment.
Following the arrest, Delhi Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Saurabh Bharadwaj questioned the appointment of Dr. Agarwal to the post in 2025, noting that she was appointed by the BJP government at the Delhi State Cancer Institute despite a pending vigilance inquiry into alleged corruption. Mr. Bharadwaj stated that senior doctors were overlooked for the position and that the appointment was 'against norms.'
In June 2025, the Delhi government had transferred Dr. Agarwal to Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, and the charge of Director was given to the Medical Superintendent of Jag Pravesh Chandra Hospital in addition to existing duties. The case is under investigation, and further details are awaited.
