Two Health officials suspended over high purchases

Health Minister A K Walia,however,maintained that these purchases were not made during the CWG. “Gross irregularities were found in purchases of surgical gloves and sutures that were made in Delhi hospitals. A complaint was received against the suppliers,and we constituted an inquiry on its basis,” Walia said.

An official from the Health department said the inquiry had found that proper tendering process was not followed in these purchases,and the costs were found to be “absurdly high”. The matter has now been referred to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) for further action.

“We are convinced that there is enough evidence to suspend both the officials indefinitely,till the Vigilance department conducts its inquiry,” Walia said.

According to a senior official,“The complaint was filed against the selected supplier by one of the competitors.The inquiry found irregularities to the tune of a few crores. It was found that despite the availability of cheaper alternatives,purchase for surgical gloves were made at 4-5 times the routine rate.”

For sutures,purchase rates in 15 government hospitals were also found to be seven times higher,he said.