RTI reveals huge irregularities in purchase of chemicals by PMCH
23 Jul, 2013A comparative chart obtained from the department of health through the Right to Information (RTI) Act has indicated heavy irregularities in the purchase of antibacterial Vicryl by the Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) in 2009-10.
The reply to the RTI query shows that the department of nephrology of PMCH had purchased the chemical reagents at prices five times higher than 2008-09 rates. The RTI applicant then filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) with the Patna High Court claiming that the department had made an excess payment of Rs. 65 lakh for the purchase.
During the hearing, the state vigilance investigation bureau submitted that the department of nephrology and clinical pathology had purchased 133 equipments during 2007-12 at astronomical rates but without any bank guarantee and without any tenders. It also submitted that no technical checking was conducted for maintenance of the equipments. The High Court has now directed the vigilance bureau to submit a preliminary report of the investigation into the purchase of the chemical reagents within a month.