Lok ayukta finds irregularities in Karnataka health department

The lok ayukta has accused eight medical officers of the Karnataka State Drug Logistics and Warehousing Society (KSDL & WS) of committing irregularities in the tendering process during the year 2010-11. A probe also found irregularities in the procurement of drugs from the Karnataka Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

The lok ayuka took up the probe following complaints by three persons, Marulasiddaiah, Shamanna and Diwakara Reddy, last year. They had alleged irregularities in the purchase of medicines.

It has been alleged that the additional director, KSDL & WS finalised the purchase of 93 medicines out of 700 by spending more than Rs50 crore. The lion’s share of the amount was spent in buying intravenous (IV) fluid, ignoring a few essential drugs.

The IV fluids were purchased in excess even though there was no storage facility. The complainants also alleged corruption in purchase of medicines.

The detailed report submitted by the lok ayukta reveal that there was a mala fide intention by officials who purchased IV fluids in non PVC self-collapsible bag which costs Rs43 while its alternative FFS bag was priced at Rs9.