₹1.24 crore embezzled at Pune's Regional Mental Hospital

A recent audit revealed that ₹1.24 crore was embezzled at the Regional Mental Hospital in Pune. The investigation, submitted on March 12, uncovered significant financial irregularities and violations of the Mental Healthcare Act, dating back to January 2017. Dr. Sunil Patil, the former medical superintendent, was found responsible for unauthorized purchases and excessive payments. The report also highlighted issues with patient care and mismanagement of funds, including fraudulent claims for supplies and services that were never delivered. The committee recommended strict action against several hospital officials and recovery of the misused funds. It noted discrepancies in stock records and inflated prices for supplies, raising concerns about the welfare of patients at the facility.