3 weeks ago
Delhi Health Minister seeks report on substandard hospital supply firms
Some companies in Delhi sell things that hospitals need, like bandages and gauze.
Police found out that some of these companies were not following the rules.
They were giving hospitals materials that were not good enough and charging too much money.
In January 2024, the police filed an official case, called an FIR, about this.
Now, a new complaint says the same companies might still be selling supplies to government hospitals.
The Delhi Health Minister, Pankaj Kumar Singh, said these allegations are serious.
He asked the Health Secretary to investigate and write a full report.
The report has to be ready by Friday.
He also wants to know if the companies are still getting contracts and payments.
This is important because hospitals need safe, good-quality supplies to treat patients.
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh sought a comprehensive factual report from Health Secretary Rupesh Thakur over allegations that firms named in a 2024 FIR still supply surgical items to government hospitals.
The report, supported by documentary evidence, is due by Friday, and the minister warned that any omission or suppression of material facts will be viewed seriously.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau registered the FIR on January 5, 2024 under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the Indian Penal Code, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, alleging a cartel supplied substandard surgical products at exorbitant prices.
The FIR alleged Chinese plastic wires were used in certain bandages and gauzes instead of the prescribed IS-certified cotton thread.
The minister also sought details of fresh tenders, contracts, payments released to the 13 named firms, and whether blacklisting or debarment proceedings have been initiated, including the role of businessman Sandeep Gupta.
- Who
- Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, Health Secretary Rupesh Thakur, and 13 companies named in a 2024 FIR.
- What
- A probe into allegations that firms named in a 2024 FIR over substandard surgical supplies are still involved in procurement for Delhi government hospitals.
- Where
- Delhi, India.
- When
- The complaint was forwarded to the Health Minister on August 4, and the report was demanded by Friday; the original FIR was registered on January 5, 2024.
- Why
- A fresh complaint alleged that several of the firms and their connected concerns may still be participating in government procurement of surgical items.
Key facts
- Health Minister
- Pankaj Kumar Singh
- Health Secretary
- Rupesh Thakur
- FIR registration date
- January 5, 2024
- FIR registered by
- Anti-Corruption Bureau
- Companies named in FIR
- 13
- Report deadline
- Friday
- Complaint forwarded
- August 4, via Chief Minister's Office
- Laws cited
- Prevention of Corruption Act, Indian Penal Code, Drugs and Cosmetics Act
Quotes
Officials
Delhi Health Ministry officials
“The Secretary was also directed to submit details on whether proceedings for blacklisting or debarment of the supplier firms have been initiated and if not, the reasons for not initiating such proceedings should be specifically explained.”
indianexpress.com
“Complete details, including the value of the contract, date of award, approving authority and justification for allowing such firms to continue supplying government institutions have been sought.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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