Maharashtra orders probe into Sambhajinagar GMCH purchase of 4,000 nebuliser masks

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The Maharashtra medical education department has ordered a probe into the alleged overpricing of 4,000 adult nebuliser masks purchased by Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, after a significant price disparity was flagged.

The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) has been directed to conduct a detailed and objective investigation into the matter and submit its report at the earliest.

The probe follows questions over a purchase made by GMCH after a comparison with procurement records from another government medical institution. Both GMCH Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and BJ Government Medical College and Sassoon Hospital in Pune reportedly purchased 4,000 adult nebuliser masks through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) on July 4.  

According to the TOI report, GMCH purchased 4,000 adult nebulizer masks at more than three times the rate paid by a similar government-run health institution in Pune for the same quantity.

However, the two institutions reportedly paid sharply different prices. While the Pune institution purchased each mask for  Rs 70, GMCH Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar paid Rs 249 per mask for the same quantity. 

The price difference reportedly resulted in an additional expenditure of more than Rs 7 lakh on the GMCH purchase, raising concerns over possible financial irregularities and the procurement process.

The medical education department has asked the DMER to scrutinise the purchase order, procurement procedure, approvals, comparative rates, supplier profile, technical specifications and the hospital's requirement for the purchase. Compliance with applicable financial and procurement rules will also be examined.

The inquiry will also seek to determine whether any officials or other parties were responsible for lapses. The department has directed authorities to fix responsibility and initiate appropriate action if violations are established.

Health activist and former member of the GMCH Abhyagat Samiti, Pravin Shinde, who had raised the matter with the medical education department, welcomed the decision.

Shinde said, "We hope that the DMER carries out an impartial probe in a speedy manner. The inquiry officials should also dig deep into alleged nexus between health authorities and suppliers. Such ties lead to purchase at inflated prices at the cost of public money”, reports TOI.

The investigation is expected to establish the reasons behind the substantial price difference and whether the procurement was carried out in accordance with prescribed norms.