Diversion of Rs 1.53 cr in GMC Jammu;Despite assurance in LA, Govt fails to constitute high level panel

By admin On Jun 23, 2016

VIVEK SHARMA
JAMMU: Despite making a commitment in Legislative Assembly, the State Government has failed to constitute a high powered committee to look into the alleged diversion of Rs 1.53 crore In Government Medical College Jammu to clear ‘ficlitions bills’ of Mechanical Division of the Associated Hospitals.
Health Minister Bali Bhagat had admitted in the Legislative Assembly that Rs 1.53 cr were diverted whileas Principal GMC had sought diversion of Rs 1.73 crore. He had assured that a panel would be formed within two days to scrutinise each bill and examine the utilisation of funds.
STATE TIMES in its edition dated June 14, 2016 had reported that Rs 1.73 crore, meant for purchase of medicines and other medical equipments, were diverted to clear payments of bills-for which work had been done earlier. It was learnt that the funds to the tune of Rs 1.73 crore sought from the government to meet the deficiencies required to be fulfilled to face the scheduled MCI inspection.
Sources informed that there was no such plan. When allocation was made, the GMC Principal had requested for diversion of funds to the Mechanical Division of the Hospital. Of this Rs 1.53 crore were diverted which the Health Minister Bali Bhagat admitted in the House.
Here it is relevant to mention that the then Deputy Director Planning M L Bhagat was relieved by the GMC Principal Z A Gillani as he had raised the issue with regard to illegal diversion and utilisation of funds. A committee was constituted at that point of time, which was just an eye wash, with sinister objective of hushing up the matter
The funds were diverted on 31st March, 2016- four days ahead of the formation of PDP-BJP Coalition-II.
The money was transferred on Ist April, 2016 with back date enteries in the files, sources said.
GMC Hospital, a premiere health institute of the Jammu province is facing lot of discrepancies in respect of infrastructure and MCI is likely to object its recognisation for 150 MBBS seats this year.
Besides the shortage of medicines, including life saving drugs, the GMC Hospital is also mired in controversy over the issue of infected IV fluid.
Doctors and para-medical staffers always advise their relatives and friends to purchase the IV fluid and drip sets from the market as hospital supply is infected, according to sources.