After Kejriwal’s hospital visit, Mishra alleges Rs 300 cr health ‘scam’

Team Udayavani, May 28, 2017, 12:30 PM IST

New Delhi: Levelling a fresh set of charges, sacked AAP minister Kapil Mishra on Saturday alleged a ‘scam’ over the shortage of medicines in government hospitals.

Mishra claimed the powers of Delhi government-run hospitals to buy medicines were put to an end by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal at the behest of Health Minister Satyendra Jain.

“A Central Procurement Agency (CPA) was formed and an order was passed saying all medicines should be procured through this agency,” Mishra said.

The suspended AAP leader’s allegations came two days after Kejriwal made a surprise visit to a government-run hospital and found there was a shortage of medicines.

After his visit, Kejriwal had said he would ensure free medicines and treatment to all those who visited hospitals run by the Delhi government.

“Satyendra Jain has himself admitted that Rs 300 crore have been allocated to procure medicines. The Delhi government boasts of having the highest budget earmarked for the health sector. In such a scenario how come there is a shortage of medicines? This is a scam,” Mishra said.

He, however, could not produce any evidence to back his claim. The party refused to comment on the allegations.

In response to Mishra’s claims, Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari has written a letter to Lt Governor Anil Baijal demanding an enquiry, saying the files of purchases in which alleged irregularities existed need to be sealed.

“In the last few days allegations of irregularities against Health Minister Satyendra Jain were being heard. There are allegations of widespread irregularities in purchases of medicines, ambulances and equipment necessitating investigation into these cases,” Tiwari said.