Condemnation of Assets in Indian Government Hospitals

A Narrative Review of General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017 Mandates, Institutional Policies, and Modern Disposal Platforms

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55763/ippr.2025.06.04.004

Abstract

Efficient disposal of surplus, obsolete, and unserviceable assets is a critical, yet often overlooked, component of effective administration. In Indian government healthcare institutions, the accumulation of dysfunctional equipment and expired consumables poses significant financial, operational, and safety challenges. Unique challenges in healthcare condemnation include protecting the privacy of patient-related data, radiation hazards in certain equipment, PCPNDT Act 1994** norms for USG*** equipment, and disposal of e-waste. This narrative review provides a guide for administrators especially those who are working in healthcare to navigate the complex landscape of asset condemnation and disposal. It synthesizes the regulatory framework mandated by the Government of India's General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017, outlines best practices for establishing robust internal policies and committees, and conducts a detailed comparative analysis of the primary disposal platforms: the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), MSTC Ltd. e-auctions, and traditional offline methods. The review offers practical, step-by-step guidance for institutional registration on digital platforms and addresses special considerations for hazardous materials like e-waste. By integrating regulatory mandates with practical disposal strategies, this article aims to empower administrators to create a streamlined, compliant, and value-maximizing process, thereby enhancing financial prudence, operational efficiency, and patient safety within public healthcare facilities.

Keywords:

Scrap Disposal, Surplus Assets, E-Auction Process, Condemnation Guidelines, Government Assets

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Authors Bio

Narinder Kumar, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Chandigarh

Narinder Kumar is an Assistant Professor, Dept. of Hospital Administration, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh

Ananth Naveen Kumar Reddy, Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital

Hospital Administrator at Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, Navi Mumbai

Shalini Sharma, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh

Public Health Scholar, School of Public Health, Department of Community & Family Medicine

Vipin Koushal, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research

Prof. Vipin Koushal is a Medical Superintendent, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh.

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Published

2025-10-01