VIVEK SHARMA
JAMMU: Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu is reported to have diverted Rs 1.73 crore, allocated for procuring medicines for Below Poverty Level (BPL) patients and to purchase various medical equipments, to another head, with a sinister design of clearing ‘fictitious’ bills at the close of financial year on 31st March 2016.
The inquiry ordered into alleged misappropriation of funds has been shelved, reportedly at the behest of ‘some unscrupulous elements’ in lieu of huge consideration. The whistle blower, Deputy Director Planning, who had been co-opted as a member of the inquiry panel, was relieved by Principal, GMC unceremoniously. The other members of the committee included Assistant Director Planning and Medical Superintendent GMC Dr Ram Ratan Paul.
The misappropriated funds, according to sources, were put at the disposal of the GMC to procure medicines and other equipments ahead of the inspection of a team of Medical Council of India.
Sources informed that the inquiry panel, constituted by the Commissioner Secretary Health Dr M. K Bhandari has virtually become infructuous.
The blatant diversion of funds has evoked strong resentment by a section of faculty, who want the matter to be investigated, either by Crime Branch or the State Vigilance Organization.
Despite repeated calls, the Commissioner Secretary Health could not be contacted for his version over the alleged misappropriation and the fate of the committee he had constituted to look into the allegations.
