Question : UTILISATION OF FUNDS FOR AIDS

(a) whether the Government is aware that fund allotted to State Governments by the National AIDS Control Society are not being utilised properly leading to corruption ;

(b) whether the National Aids Control Organisation (NACO) have received any representation in this regard ;

(c) whether the Government is also aware of the fact that Bell-Air Hospital, Panchgani (Maharashtra) have complained against the officers of State health department for stopping the Central assistance due to the hospital for treatment of AIDS patients;

(d) if so, the details thereof ; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government in this regard ?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE ( SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)

(a) & (b) No information is available in this regard.

(c),(d) & (e) Certain representations were received regarding non release of funds to the Bel Air hospital which were forwarded to Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society. According to them the audit and Inspection of the Bel Air Hospital was carried out on 12.11.2003 found certain irregularities which were communicated to them. In the meanwhile taking humanitarian aspect into consideration regarding patients admitted 50 % of the grants for the year 2004-2005 were released by the Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society pending final audit which is in progress. The final grants would be disbursed depending on the audit report .