CM should Seek explanation from Health Minister, says MLA
Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Feb 1: Jamshedpur East MLA Saryu Roy Wednesday alleged that a major scam worth Rs 150 crore had been committed in the procurement of medicines by the state health department.
In a statement issued today, Roy said, “Medicines were purchased on the basis of nomination instead of tenders. They were procured at high rates over the last three years. A tender was issued on 22nd April 2020 for the purchase of various medicines. Lowest bidders were selected and approval letters were sent to them on 15th June 2020. But later no purchase was made from them.”
Speaking to scribes at his Bistupur office, Roy further said, “The state health department purchased 103 medicines on the basis of nomination. A proposal in the form of Sankalp (pledge) was sent to the Cabinet for approval which was obtained on 3rd February 2021. It is surprising that nowhere in the Sankalp was it mentioned that earlier tenders were received for purchasing the medicines. The medicines were purchased at much higher rates from five companies. This caused a loss of Rs 150 crore to the state exchequer.”
Roy said the purchase of medicines is still going on in Jharkhand. He asked Chief Minister Hemant Soren to seek an explanation from the state Health Minister Banna Gupta regarding the scam.