THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Dec 23: A CBI investigation into ‘Not of Standard Quality’ drugs provided to Delhi government hospitals has been recommended by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena.
The L-G directed Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to conduct a probe, writing, “I am, to say the least, anguished at the fact that lakhs of hapless people and patients are being supplied fake drugs that have failed quality standard tests.”
The LG mentioned in the letter that the drugs obtained through the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) under Delhi Health Service (DHS) were distributed to Delhi Government Hospitals and potentially to the Mohalla Clinics. However, these drugs have proven to be ineffective and are classified as ‘Not of Standard Quality’.
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Risk to public health
The letter emphasized that the drugs, acquired at considerable budgetary expense, pose a serious risk to public health and safety. They have the potential to jeopardize people’s lives.
“Since the matter of Mohalla Clinics is already entrusted to CBI, this case, which may, inter alia, also involve supply of these failed ‘Not of Standard Quality’ drugs to such clinics, may also be entrusted to the Central Agency, especially in light of the fact that the investigation therein involves multi inter-state stakeholders including CPA- DHS, GNCTD, suppliers or dealers, manufacturers in other states and other state agencies, the actions taken thereon should be conveyed to all concerned within 7 days,” the letter further added.
The report from the Special Secretary Vigilance suggested that “since more than 10% samples have failed, we may advise the department to increase the scope of sampling in respect of drugs in terms of volume and value across all the hospitals.”
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