Health ministry examines CBI verification report

Reacting on the irregularities in purchase of equipment at AIIMS, Union Health Ministry on Tuesday said that it was examining the verification report submitted by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The ministry also asserted of initiating necessary action after taking a holistic view of the report.

The CBI had recently submitted a verification report to the Ministry following a complaint made by the then AIIMS CVO Sanjiv Chaturvedi over irregularities in purchase of medical supplies at the premier medical institute.

“Yes, there is a CBI verification report. They have found the AIIMS store manager primarily responsible. Even before the verification report came, the store manager has been put under suspension. We are examining the report. We will then take a holistic view and necessary action will be initiated,” said ministry official. 

The official maintained that intent of the ministry was quite clear as it did not wait for the verification report and initiated action against the store manager by suspending him a year back.

However, AIIMS has asserted that no irregularity has been made in the procurement of medical supplies by JPNA Trauma Centre. Commenting over the case, AIIMS said that it had placed store officer TR Mahajan under suspension and a charge-sheet for major penalties was also issued against him.

“Following a departmental enquiry, the enquiry officer has concluded that none of the charges against Mahajan stand proved. The findings of the enquiry officer will be placed for consideration. At this stage, AIIMS would like to place on record that no irregularity has been made out in the procurement of disinfectants and fogging solutions by JPN Trauma Centre,” AIIMS spokesperson Neerja Bhatla said.