GMCH, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar
A key focus is the sanctioning of 27 construction works collectively worth around Rs 50 crore. The alleged splitting of Rs 50 crore works should come under the scanner of the inquiry committee,” a senior official said.
The charges include splitting works worth around Rs 50 crore into 27 “small constructions”, purchases at allegedly inflated rates and spending Rs 33.3 lakh on a 30-minute in-house programme. Authorities said a GMCH dean does not have powers to grant administrative approval for works of such high value. A committee member said this is a fact-finding exercise. “The panel is expected to submit its report shortly after necessary scrutiny and examination,” he said. We hope that the inquiry does not prove a farce and mere eyewash,” he said.
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: A four-member state probe panel has begun scrutinising alleged large-scale financial irregularities at Govt Medical College and Hospital, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) constituted the committee following a complaint lodged by health activist Pravin Shinde on state govt’s Aaple Sarkar portal. Such proposals are required to go before a high-power committee. The allegation is that the works were split into smaller packages, allowing them to be sanctioned without going through the process required for a project of that value. Shinde, however, questioned why the committee had not yet recorded his statement despite his complaint triggering the inquiry. However, the inquiry committee neither invited me nor heard me when I tried to approach them.
“Proposals of higher values must be tabled before the high-power committee. “As per laid down procedure of any govt inquiry, the complainant is expected to depose before the probe panel. The panel arrived in the city on Saturday and began examining records.
Meanwhile, a separate DMER probe ordered in August into GMCH’s purchase of 4,000 adult nebuliser masks at allegedly 3.5 times the prevailing rate is yet to make headway. Stay updated with the latest Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar news. Deshmukh declined to comment. He had not responded until Sunday evening. Download the TOI App.
Sukre, when contacted at his office on Saturday, said he would speak over the phone.
Another transaction under scrutiny is the Rs 33.3 lakh paid to an event management firm for the inauguration of a health facility at the State Cancer Hospital on April 27 last year. The programme allegedly lasted around 30 minutes. The panel will also examine purchases of drugs and medical machinery through the Government e-Marketplace. The allegation is that several items were bought at prices substantially higher than prevailing market rates. The committee has sought bills, work orders, rate-comparison charts and other records relating to these transactions. Acting GMCH dean Dr Shivaji Sukre was allegedly at the helm when these decisions were taken. The probe committee is headed by Dr Sudhir Deshmukh, dean of Dr Shankarrao Chavan GMCH, Nanded. GMCH Jalna dean Dr Syeda Afroz Fatima is member secretary. Dr Prakash Gattani, head of pharmacology at GMCH Jalna, and DMER administrative officer JS Lakhade are the other members.