CBI to probe Rs 100-cr health scam in Jharkhand

The RCH purchased 102 types of medicines from local private companies during that period,despite Union Heath Ministry’s 2008 Purchase Preference Policy that called upon the state to buy medicines under the National Rural Health Mission from PSUs.

“We found that tender procedures were not followed. Most medicines were procured from local companies,” Dr Shivendu told The Express.

Also,other commodities were bought far in excess of actual requirements. For instance,for about 1,150 beds in 194 PHCs in the state,2.5 lakh bed-sheets worth Rs 1.76 crore were bought from a Ranchi-based firm,Savitri Sales.

From Nand Kishore Fogla,a Ranchi-based supplier,the RCH purchased 50,000 bottles of Microzen,an insecticide,costing Rs 14.74 crore on the basis of a quotation. To sprinkle the insecticide,300 fogger machines worth Rs 5.15 crore were bought. Though the PHCs don’t have operation theatres or anesthetists,1.24 lakh pen torches (Rs 1.09 crore) and 1,792 cylinders of Nitrous Oxide (Rs 4.42 crore) were bought.

The Governor’s office on April 28 received a petition from an anonymous sender,alleging the irregularities. Governor’s Adviser Sunila Basant forwarded it to then health secretary Dr Pradeep Kumar,who headed the RCH,asking him to inquire. But Kumar objected. With Development Commissioner S K Choudhary and Finance Secretary Raj Bala Verma intervening,the inquiry was conducted. Kumar was not available for comment.

Dr Shivendu said,“We have pieced together the records. We found the doubts raised by the petitioner were by and large genuine.”