KL Report
SRINAGAR
As if the spurious drug scam was not embarrassing enough, a new issue related to illegal purchases of equipment by the Health Department has surfaced. According to sources in the department, the authorities vide no. DHSK/SO-ME/2011-12/1649-53 dated 28/12/2012 have placed an order for the supply of Defibrillator (Cardio LifeTech 5531) for use during Amarath Yatra allegedly without inviting tenders for the purchase of equipment.
“The plea taken was urgency and the purchase has been made on approved rates, terms and conditions, make, etc of the specifications of the rate contract no SIMS/324-117-2011-(EQ) – 577-81 datred 25/2/2012, whereas the SKIMS has purchased 25 Defibrillators Vide Order Number SIMS-324-115-211 (EQ)-290”, the sources alleged.
They said the reference mentioned by the Director Health Services Kashmir for procurement of Defibrillators on the Rate Contract of SKIMS was incorrect and it was confirmed that the Rate Contract of SKIMS for supply of 25 Defibrillators was different.
“Clandestinely the camouflage of number and date was to cover the purchase at an exorbitant price of Rs 5,85000 instead of the actual cost of rupees 235000 on which SKIMS had purchased the Defibrillators”, the informed sources said.
“The reference of Rate Contract of SKIMS quoted by Director Health Services (K) does not show purchase of Defibrillator at such exorbitant prices. It is shocking that no SKIMS order shows Defibrillator model 5531 but shows model 5521. How could DHSK order supply of the equipment giving that reference?”, official sources questioned.
