Union Home Ministry directs CBI inquiry into supply of substandard drugs in Delhi govt hospitals
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK New Delhi, Jan 5: A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the purported acquisition and distribution…
Representational Image (Image: The Times of India)
THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Jan 5: A Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigation into the purported acquisition and distribution of counterfeit and non-standard medications in Delhi government hospitals and mohalla clinics was ordered by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday, as per sources.
Sources have mentioned that today, the ministry has instructed the CBI to file a First Information Report (FIR) regarding the provision of “sub-standard” drugs to hospitals operated by the Delhi government.
Delhi govt’s Directorate of Vigilance wrote to MHA
The Directorate of Vigilance of the Delhi government wrote to the Union Home Ministry on December 26 requesting that the CBI be tasked with conducting the investigation into the supply of “sub-standard” drugs to state-run hospitals.
“It also needs to be investigated whether the same drugs which have been procured by the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) are also being distributed to the patients through the ‘Mohalla Clinics’ or not,” the letter read.
The letter stated that the CPA should not be the only party involved in any action pertaining to the delivery of “Not of Standard Quality” drugs. The entire supply chain, including the suppliers who purchased from manufacturers and supplied to hospitals (patients), should be looked into.
“Besides, there is a need to lift the corporate veil to understand the gravity and motives of supplying ‘Not of Standard Quality’ drugs,” the letter stated.
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Delhi LG recommended CBI probe
The initiation of the CBI investigation was directed based on a recommendation by Delhi Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena in December of the preceding year.
According to Saxena, drugs used in Delhi government-run hospitals “failed quality standard tests” and had the “potential of endangering lives”.
Delhi Health Minister slammed Centre
Delhi’s Health Minister and AAP leader, Saurabh Bharadwaj, communicated with the Health Secretary regarding the provision of drugs of ‘substandard quality’ in the national capital. He urged the Health Secretary to secure alternative arrangements.
He voiced criticism regarding the operations of mohalla clinics, while also questioning the BJP-led Centre for allegedly shielding its appointed health secretary in the national capital.
He made several posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, revealing that he had given the order for a flying squad to be formed in order to conduct a surprise inspection of mohalla clinics in April of last year. However, nothing has been done with this order as of yet.
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“I again asked the health secretary on 12.06.2023 that an explanation should be sought from all the officials who have not yet started the inspection of mohalla clinics. The health secretary did not take any action on this also. Will the BJP government still save the health secretary appointed by itself?” the Delhi Health Minister wrote on X.
मैंने फिर 12.06.2023 को स्वास्थ्य सचिव से पूछा कि जिन अधिकारियों ने अभी तक मुहोल्ला क्लीनिक का इंस्पेक्शन शुरू नहीं की, सभी से स्पष्टीकरण माँगा जाये।
इस पर भी स्वास्थ्य सचिव ने कोई कार्यवाही नहीं की ।
अब भी भाजपा की सरकार अपने द्वारा लगाये गये स्वास्थ्य सचिव को बचाएगी ? pic.twitter.com/awg9sG8PTz
— Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) January 4, 2024
