CHARGED WITH corruption in the purchase of instruments and drugs, the Health Department officials have decided to come out clean. The top officials of the department have planned to amend the procurement procedure and make it transparent.
Earlier, the Central Medical Drug Store Department (CMSD) used to procure instruments and drugs for various government hospitals. Now, a three-member committee, comprising director medical care, director medical health and director stores will float tender and finalise the purchase. Three specialists from the SGPGI, the KGMU and the government hospitals would also be on the committee.
Before going for the purchase, the director medical care will assess the requirement of instruments. He will prepare a list of instruments required by hospitals. Before finalising the purchase deal, the members of the committee will visit other hospitals where the instrument has been installed. Also, they will gather information about its performance and the price of the instrument. Then they will survey the market to find out the actual rate of the instrument.
HT has highlighted the irregularities committed by the Health Department. The UP Health System Development Project (UPHSDP) had quoted the price of a hydraulic operation table at the rate of Rs 39,000, but CMSD had quoted the price of the operation table at Rs 77,000 in its rate contract.
{{/usCountry}}HT has highlighted the irregularities committed by the Health Department. The UP Health System Development Project (UPHSDP) had quoted the price of a hydraulic operation table at the rate of Rs 39,000, but CMSD had quoted the price of the operation table at Rs 77,000 in its rate contract.
{{/usCountry}}Later, an inquiry was ordered by former principal secretary, and the procurement of operation table was cancelled. Since there was no end to corruption in the department, the Health Department has decided to open the technical and financial bids of the company participating in tender. The companies will demonstrate the functioning of the instruments.
Later, an agreement will be inked between the Health Department and the supplier company to install the instrument. “Strict action will be taken against the company which violates the agreement,” officials said.
The drug purchase has also been revised. The director medical and health has been directed to assess the requirement of drugs in various hospitals. The Health Department had no record of how many patients are visiting various hospitals and which drugs are required there. Though crores of rupees were spent on the purchase of drugs, the common man could not reap the benefits.