Condemnation of Assets in Indian Government Hospitals

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.