Lokayukta surprise visit exposes lapses at state-run cancer hospital in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Lokayukta has initiated a suo motu probe into alleged mismanagement, irregularities, and malpractice at Kidwai Memorial Cancer Hospital following an anonymous complaint.
Citing concerns that prior intimation could lead to evidence being tampered with, Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil carried out a surprise inspection of the hospital on Friday.
According to a report published by The Hindu, several lapses were revealed during the visit. The hospital is currently overseen by an IAS officer holding additional charge as administrative head, who visits only once a week.
A shortage of doctors and support staff was also flagged, raising concerns over the hospital’s ability to handle its patient load.
At the Central Drug Store, officials said that 40% of drug costs are borne by the state government and 60% by the Centre, making high-cost medicines available at subsidised rates. However, patients reportedly complained that essential drugs such as Enzalutamide 160 mg and Exylete were often unavailable at the hospital pharmacy, with some staff allegedly directing them to private stores to purchase the medicines. The Lokayukta directed the hospital director to take immediate action against such practices and submit a compliance report.
Justice B.S. Patil further ordered the inspection team to conduct a department-wide audit and prepare a detailed report on the irregularities reported at the hospital.
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FM proposes to reduce TCS rates for education, medical purposes
New Delhi: Presenting the Union Budget 2026, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday announced relief measures aimed at easing the financial burden on families and streamlining the tax framework.
She proposed reducing the Tax Collected at Source (TCS) on foreign remittances for education and medical purposes from 5 per cent to 2 per cent, a move expected to benefit students studying abroad and those seeking overseas medical treatment.
The finance minister also announced that the new Income Tax Act will come into effect from April 1, 2026, marking a major overhaul of the country’s direct tax system.
