Rajasthan’s SN Medical College Under Scrutiny for Irregular Medicine Procurement
In a significant development shaking the healthcare sector in Rajasthan, Dr. S.N. Medical College (SNMC) in Jodhpur has come under intense scrutiny following revelations of irregular medicine procurement practices during the 2024-25 financial year. Rajasthan Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar dropped a bombshell during a recent press conference, disclosing that the prestigious institution purchased medicines worth ₹5 crore without adhering to mandatory tendering processes, citing emergency needs. Additionally, the college procured medicines worth ₹28.5 crore through tenders, raising further questions about transparency and accountability in its financial operations.
Dr. S.N. Medical College, established in 1965 and affiliated with the Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, is one of the state’s leading medical institutions, serving a vast population in western Rajasthan. With an annual intake of 250 MBBS students and postgraduate programs across 19 specialties, it plays a pivotal role in healthcare delivery and medical education. However, the recent allegations have cast a shadow over its reputation, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into its procurement practices.
According to Health Minister Khimsar, the ₹5 crore worth of medicines acquired without tenders violated Rajasthan’s established procurement guidelines, which mandate competitive bidding to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality.
The minister highlighted that while emergency purchases are permissible under specific circumstances, the scale and frequency of these transactions at SNMC suggest potential mismanagement or deliberate bypassing of protocol. “This is a serious matter that undermines public trust in our healthcare institutions. We are committed to ensuring transparency and will not tolerate irregularities,” Khimsar stated, announcing that a high-level inquiry has been ordered to investigate the matter.
The controversy has sparked widespread concern among healthcare professionals, students, and the public. Sources within the college reveal that the medicines procured included critical drugs and supplies essential for patient care, such as antibiotics, anesthetics, and surgical consumables. However, the lack of documentation justifying the emergency purchases has fueled speculation about possible favoritism or corruption in the supply chain. Critics argue that such practices could compromise the quality of medicines administered to patients, many of whom come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and rely on SNMC’s services as a government-run facility.
Adding to the complexity, the ₹28.5 crore worth of medicines procured through tenders has also come under the microscope. Preliminary audits suggest discrepancies in the tendering process, including allegations of inflated costs and preferential awarding of contracts to certain suppliers. Local media reports indicate that opposition leaders have seized the opportunity to criticize the state government, accusing it of failing to monitor healthcare spending effectively. “This is not just about one college; it reflects a systemic failure in oversight. Patients deserve better,” said a spokesperson from the opposition party during a recent rally in Jodhpur.
The timing of the scandal is particularly sensitive, as Rajasthan is in the midst of efforts to bolster its healthcare infrastructure. With plans to open 22 new medical colleges and hospitals in 2025-26, the state government has been touting its commitment to improving medical access and quality. The irregularities at SNMC threaten to undermine these initiatives, raising doubts about the administration’s ability to manage resources responsibly.
In response to the growing outcry, the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL), the centralized procurement agency for the state’s healthcare system, has been tasked with assisting in the investigation. Established in 2011 to streamline drug procurement and ensure competitive pricing, RMSCL introduced reforms to curb inefficiencies in the system. Under its guidelines, purchase preferences are limited to 25% for state PSUs and SSIs, provided they match the lowest tender rates. The SNMC case, however, suggests that these safeguards may not have been enforced effectively at the institutional level.
Faculty and students at SNMC have expressed mixed reactions. While some defend the college, attributing the purchases to urgent patient needs amid budget constraints, others worry about the long-term impact on its credibility. “We are already stretched thin with limited resources. If this leads to stricter regulations or funding cuts, it could affect our ability to serve patients,” said a senior doctor, speaking on condition of anonymity.
As the inquiry unfolds, the Rajasthan government has promised swift action against those found guilty of wrongdoing.
The Health Minister has assured the public that steps will be taken to prevent such lapses in the future, including enhanced monitoring of procurement processes across all state-run medical institutions. Meanwhile, civil society groups and healthcare advocates are calling for greater accountability, urging the government to make the investigation’s findings public and implement systemic reforms to restore trust.
The SN Medical College controversy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing India’s public healthcare system, where resource constraints often collide with the need for transparency and efficiency. As of March 28, 2025, the outcome of this probe remains uncertain, but its implications are likely to resonate far beyond Jodhpur, influencing healthcare policy and public perception in Rajasthan for years to come.