Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether incidents of corrupt practices in purchasing medical equipments in the various hospitals run by the Union Government have come to the notice;
(b) if so, the number of such cases unearthed during the last two years and the action taken by the Government in this regard, State/UT-wise;
(c) the steps taken by the Government to check such incidents; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)
(a) to (d): As far as three Central Government Hospitals viz, Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. RML Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) and Associated Hospitals are concerned, there is no report of corrupt practices in purchasing medical equipment. However, there are two cases of irregularities in purchase of medical equipments in Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal reported by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) during last two years. Sanction for prosecution has been issued with the approval of competent authority in respect of alleged officers except those covered under limitation period after retirement. The procurement of the medical equipments is governed by the General Financial Rules and extant instructions issued by the various Departments/Ministries. Whenever any incident of violation of the rules/instructions is brought to the notice, necessary action is taken immediately.