Maha admits to scam in medical purposes

The public health department, on Monday, admitted to irregularities and scam in the purchase of medical equipment and furniture for hospitals in various parts of Maharashtra.

The public health department, on Monday, admitted to irregularities and scam in the purchase of medical equipment and furniture for hospitals in various parts of the state.

HT Image

The issue of corruption in the purchase of ventilators, furniture, X-ray machines, colour dopler machines was raised during the question hour in the state Assembly on Monday.

Public health minister Suresh Shetty, in a written reply to a query raised during the question hour, said that there were irregularities in the purchase of 40 ventilators in 2009-10.

The government said that the investigation report on it was received two weeks ago.

Shetty admitted that Godrej Interio had filed a complaint with the government about the irregularities in the purchase of furniture worth Rs40 crore.

He also claimed that the department had paid excessive amount, in violation of the set norms. The minister admitted that the IV bottles supplied to Amravati district in April were of inferior quality. He said that the bottles had fungal growth and were scrapped later.

Shetty said that his department had initiated the process of termination of 450 ‘absconding’ doctors, who were appointed by the government.

He said that 1,900 posts of medical officers in government colleges are vacant.