Illinois Officials Under Scrutiny for Oversight Failures Leading to Closure of Two Chicago-Area Hospitals
Illinois state officials are facing criticism for alleged oversight failures that contributed to the closure of West Suburban Medical Center and Weiss Memorial Hospital in the Chicago area. Dr. Manoj Prasad, who acquired the hospitals with a business partner, received state approval despite concerns about his qualifications and a lack of a clear turnaround plan. Over several years, the hospitals received more than $24 million in state grants and accumulated approximately $100 million in state loans and unpaid taxes. A Tribune investigation revealed that the state Health Facilities and Services Review Board did not adequately vet Prasad, and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services provided tens of millions in loans without sufficient tracking of expenditures. The Illinois Department of Public Health also continued to issue grants despite the hospitals failing to submit required third-party audits and inspectors documenting deteriorating conditions. Both hospitals eventually closed, resulting in the... 
