Questions raised over hospital dustbin procurement in Bihar
RJD targets BJP over alleged irregularities in hospital dustbin purchases, while BMSICL officials defend the procurement process, saying there is a significant difference between ordinary dustbins and those procured for hospitals
A viral video report on the procurement of medical dustbins for hospitals across Bihar has sparked controversy, with critics alleging a "scam worth several crores of rupees" during the previous State Health Minister Mangal Pandey's tenure. The Opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) accused the ruling BJP of "eating the trash bin," while RJD chief Lalu Prasad's daughter, Rohini Acharya, questioned whether the dustbins were merely for waste disposal or a new way to deplete the government's treasury.
The Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited (BMSICL) had reportedly bought specialised hospital waste dustbins during the NDA government headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, allegedly resulting in an alleged scam of over ₹300 crore. The purchases of 75-litre and 45-litre plastic dustbins at much higher prices than their market rates have further fueled suspicions.
After the NDA government expanded on May 7, 2026, Nishant Kumar was appointed as the State's Health Minister. However, the BMSICL employees claimed the dustbins were designed for specialised hospital medical waste treatment systems and that the prices accounted for technical specifications, tender conditions, transportation, installation, applicable taxes, and other procurement-related costs.
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