In a press conference, Mr. Prashant Mehta, accompanied by trustees Mr. Saurav Sharma, Mr. Mohit Mathur, and Adv. Mohammed Asim Shaikh, detailed the extent of the financial misconduct and outlined the steps the new board is taking to restore trust and integrity in the institution.
Key Findings from the Forensic Audit:
Misuse of Charity Funds: The audit revealed that over Rs. 200 crores from the hospital's charity funds were misused by the former board for personal legal fees and consultancy services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, over Rs. 10.75 crores were spent on legal expenses, even as courts were largely closed.
Illicit Financial Activities: The unauthorized board illicitly contributed over Rs. 6 crores to the newly established Madhulaxmi Trust, which had been in existence for less than a year. This illegal action was driven by Mr. Vijay Mehta, Mr. Niket Mehta, and Mrs. Sushila Mehta.
Fraudulent Real Estate Transactions: The former trustees transferred over Rs. 15 crores to fake companies—Ms. Vesta and Ms. Mayfair Realtors Pvt. Ltd.—under the guise of purchasing medical equipment. However, these companies were actually involved in real estate, unrelated to healthcare. No medical equipment was received by the hospital.
Large-Scale Theft: The previous board was involved in a theft incident, breaking into a safe at a Trust property in Palanpur, Gujarat, and stealing assets intended for constructing another hospital. A criminal complaint has been filed in Gujarat Courts, with further legal proceedings pending.
Additionally, significant sums exceeding Rs. 300 crores have been disallowed by income tax authorities due to fraudulent activities, creating substantial liability for the Trust. Mr. Kishor Mehta and Mrs. Charu Mehta, the Founders and Permanent Trustees, were kept in the dark about these liabilities.
Following the Supreme Court's Order dated September 18, 2023, the newly appointed board has conducted extensive audits and is committed to recovering lost funds, addressing liabilities, and holding those responsible accountable. The current board, which includes Mr. Prashant Mehta, Mr. Rajiv Mehta, Mr. Rajesh Mehta, Mr. Sanjay Shroff, Mr. Kiran Shah, Mr. Saurav Sharma, Mr. Palve, and Mr. Mohit Mathur, has been legitimized by court orders, reinforcing its authority to lead the hospital and its operations.
Restoration Initiatives:
To rebuild trust and reestablish Lilavati Hospital's commitment to quality healthcare services, the new board has launched various charitable initiatives, including Sewa Camp, Roshni Camp, and Free Medical Check-up Camps. These programs aim to support the less fortunate and demonstrate the hospital's dedication to serving the community.
Mr. Prashant Mehta stated that these efforts are part of the broader strategy to regain public trust and ensure that Lilavati Hospital's focus remains on providing excellent healthcare services amid the fallout from the financial scandal. The hospital's new leadership remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, accountability, and legal action against those involved in the fraud.
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