Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Maharashtra medical education department has ordered a probe into alleged financial irregularities in the purchase of adult nebuliser masks at the Govt Medical College and Hospital, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, after a sharp disparity in procurement rates came to light.
The action follows a TOI report highlighting that GMCH purchased 4,000 adult nebulizer masks at more than three times the rate paid by a similar govt-run health institution in Pune for the same quantity. Official records show that both GMCH Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and BJ Govt Medical College and Sassoon Hospital, Pune, procured 4,000 adult nebulizer masks through the Govt e-Marketplace (GeM) on July 4. GMCH purchased the same item at Rs 249 apiece While the Pune institution paid Rs 70 per mask. The higher rate resulted in an additional expenditure of over Rs 7 lakh on a single purchase, triggering allegations of financial impropriety and demands for an inquiry.
Such ties lead to purchase at inflated prices at the cost of public money,” Shinde said. Stay updated with the latest Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar news. In its order, the medical education department asked the DMER to scrutinise the purchase order, procurement procedure, approvals, comparative rates, supplier profile, technical specifications, need for the purchase, and compliance with financial and procurement rules. The department also directed officials to fix responsibility and initiate action against those found guilty. Health activist and former member of GMCH Abhyagat Samiti, Pravin Shinde, who had raised the issue with the medical education department, welcomed the decision. “We hope that the DMER carries out an impartial probe in a speedy manner. The inquiry officials should also dig deep into alleged nexus between health authorities and suppliers. Download the TOI App.
Under secretary M G Jogdand on Tuesday directed the commissioner of the Directorate of Medical Education and Research, Mumbai, to conduct a detailed and objective inquiry and submit a report immediately.