VIVEK SHARMA
JAMMU: Government Medical College Hospital Jammu has again got mired in controversy with exposure of an alleged scam involving purchase of ride-on floor cleaning cars over four and half fold higher rates than the actual cost. While the car costs just Rs 3 lakh, it has cost the exchequer Rs 18 lakh.
Last year, the Health and Medical Education Department on the directions of Health Minister Taj Mohi-ud-Din procured eight such cars, four each for GMCs at Srinagar and Jammu. Ironically, all the machines are lying defunct.
Sources told STATE TIMES these eight cleaning cars of Sepphire make (battery operated) have been purchased without any tender process. A local supplier was asked to produce three quotations before placing orders for purchasing eight cars, despite the committee formed for the purpose objecting to the proposal because of whopping costs. However, committee’s decision was over-ruled as the Minister for Health and Medical Education had desired to ‘go ahead’ with the placement of the order, sources added.
Of these cars, one each has been kept at the disposal of GMC, SMGS, Super Specialty and CD Hospitals in Jammu and SMHS, Lala Ded, CD and Bone and Joint Hospitals in Srinagar. All these cars are lying defunct for the last few months. “Only for a few days these cleansing cars worked”, said a senior doctor, adding “We don’t have trained staff to operate these machines. Resultantly, these cars have developed snag now”.
The members of the Medical Teachers Association from time to time have been raising their voice against the
misuse of funds meant for the purchases of life saving drugs and
medical equipments. While the patients are not being provided with the
medical facilities, the funds meant for their betterment are utililised on
non-productive pursuits.
