Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation under Scrutiny for Rs 343 Crore Tender

Jaipur: Eight months after the Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) issued a Rs 343 crore tender for medical equipment, it has come under intense scrutiny. The tender, which is significantly higher than the estimated cost of Rs 168 crore, has raised concerns about procedural compliance and financial oversight within the organization.

In response, Health Minister Gajendra Khimsar has ordered a detailed investigation into the matter, prompting Principal Secretary (Health) Gayatri Rathore to establish a high-level committee to review the tender details and the process behind its issuance.

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Speaking to TOI, Rathore said, "A committee comprising the additional mission director - National Health Mission (NHM), director (finance) NHM, and director (reproduction and child health) has been constituted to look into the details and submit a report in a week's time."

In response to these concerns, Health Minister Khimsar called for accountability, highlighting that no approval had been obtained at the health minister's level, despite the significant financial implications of the tender. As a result, there was no administrative sanction from either department when the tender was floated or when work orders were issued.

As per the recent media reports by TOI, on March 22, Khimsar said, "RMSCL officers appear to have mistaken govt funds for a limitless resource to be spent at their discretion. Issuing a tender without mandatory approvals is an act of insubordination that will not be tolerated. Moreover, commencement of any work without appropriate administrative and financial sanction creates an undue liability on government resources, leading to financial mismanagement and potential legal complications."

He also called the issue a matter of grave concern, reflecting a blatant disregard for financial discipline and due process. He emphasized that the government cannot and will not allow reckless financial decisions to jeopardize public resources, stating, "The integrity of governance must be upheld at all costs."

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According to TOI, RMSCL managing director Neha Giri defended the organisation's actions, stating proper procedures were followed. "All the tenders were floated after due approval of the RMSCL chairperson. No financial irregularities were found. We sent the report to the Chief Secretary, addressing all issues raised. The tender was issued in June last year after approval by the board constituted under RMSCL and was duly approved."

She explained that the initial assessment of Rs 168 crore was made three years ago, but due to factors like increased manpower costs and penalties, the tender amount had risen to Rs 343 crore. Giri also clarified that the tender was not awarded to a single company but was divided into different zones and awarded to multiple companies. “We are submitting a detailed report to the Chief Minister’s office,” she added.

The controversy surrounding the tender has sparked a larger discussion about the proper management of public funds and the transparency of government procurement processes. The committee’s investigation will also examine other potential irregularities, including those related to the repair and maintenance of biomedical equipment, alterations to drugs listed in free medicine schemes, procurement made by RMSCL's drug procurement division, and delays in responses from RMSCL to written directions from the health minister.