A controversy has erupted within the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) after revelations surfaced that a senior civic officer allegedly tried to recover the cost of expensive cosmetic injections through the municipal health scheme. The incident has sparked debate over misuse of public health funds and raised questions about internal oversight.
According to sources, the officer in question, along with family members, reportedly took a series of injections called 'Gluta Thione', widely used in the cosmetic industry for skin whitening and facial glow enhancement. Each injection is said to cost between ₹50,000 and ₹1 lakh, bringing the total cost to approximately ₹9 lakh.
In a surprising move, the officer is alleged to have submitted the bill to the PMC Health Department, seeking reimbursement under the civic body’s Contributory Health Scheme, which is intended for the treatment of serious medical conditions—not cosmetic procedures.
During routine verification, health department officials noticed that the bill referenced skin clinic visits and cosmetic treatments, which are not covered under the PMC’s health scheme. Upon scrutiny, the officials refused to approve the reimbursement.
Facing possible public and administrative backlash, the officer reportedly withdrew the bill to avoid further controversy or potential damage to reputation.
The incident has exposed a potential loophole in the oversight of the municipal health scheme and raised concerns about the misuse of public funds for non-medical expenses. While no official inquiry has been initiated yet, the case is said to be a hot topic of discussion within PMC circles, drawing criticism from employees and civic activists alike.
Calls are growing for greater transparency, stricter checks, and accountability mechanisms in the administration of the health reimbursement process to prevent such misuse in the future.