Civil surgeon in same post for a decade

Thane’s health department faces allegations of blatant violation of norms

Dr. Kailas Pawar

Thane: Serious allegations of corruption and administrative irregularities have surfaced in the District Government Hospital with Civil Surgeon Dr. Kailas Pawar at the center of a controversy. Dr. Pawar has remained in the same post from last nine years raising major concerns over transparency and governance. A section of the employees has demanded to forma a Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe Dr. Pawar’s decisions.

According to the Maharashtra Government Servants Regulation of Transfers Act, 2005, the tenure of Group-A officers is limited to three years. However, Dr. Pawar’s prolonged tenure appears to be in violation of these norms, raising questions about whether rules are being properly enforced. Critics argue that such extended postings create an environment conducive to corruption and administrative complacency.

The allegations relate to the period between 2017 and 2023, during which procurement of medical equipment across multiple government hospitals in Thane district reportedly involved serious irregularities. Audit reports have pointed out instances where payments were made to contractors before the delivery of equipment, incomplete records of medicine stock, and lack of transparency in the tender process.

The scope of these alleged irregularities extends beyond a single hospital to several government and rural hospitals in Bhiwandi, Shahapur, Badlapur, Ambernath, Ulhasnagar, Murbad, Tokawade, Khardi, and Ambadi. This has raised serious concerns about the overall functioning of the district’s healthcare administration.

Dr. Pawar was awarded the “Vandaniya Balasaheb Thackeray Health Ratna Award” on February 23 Health Minister Prakash Abitkar. The contrast between serious allegations and official recognition has triggered public anger and raised questions about accountability.

While speaking to ‘The Perfect Voice’, social activist Bapu Bansode alleged that many medical devices purchased with public funds are lying unused and gathering dust in government hospitals. He emphasised that merely purchasing equipment is not enough; ensuring its effective use is equally important. He also alleged that long-term postings of officials contribute to corruption and mismanagement.

Responding to the allegations, Dr. Kailash Pawar stated that he would immediately step down if the government transfers him. He added that construction work of the civil hospital is currently underway and claimed he has no knowledge of the allegations. He denied the allegations of any irregularities in the procurements saying that those who are levelling the allegations had malafied intentions. He warned that he would file defamation cases against those spreading false information.