H&ME orders investigation into violation of norms by DHSK

By
Daily Excelsior
-

Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 9: The Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department today initiated an investigation into the alleged violation of norms by the Director of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), while as the procurements made for the Baltal axis of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra during 2022 is also under scanner.
The Director, as per an order issued here by the H&ME, is accused of delegating financial powers to Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), contrary to established protocols.
The inquiry, led by Pankaj Gupta, Managing Director of the Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL), will uncover the reasons behind these actions and assign responsibility for any breaches.
The report, expected to be submitted within 20 days, will shed light on the circumstances that led to the delegation of financial powers to the CMOs by the Director of Health Services, despite the existence of a Central Purchase Committee at the Directorate level.
As per the order, the investigation will also focus on the subsequent delegation of financial powers by the Chief Medical Officer in Anantnag to the Block Medical Officer in Saller, a move that allegedly violated established rules.
Additionally, the inquiry will also determine whether the Block Medical Officer in Saller, against instructions from the Director of Health Services, procured items available with JKMSCL, even though, the order said, it fell outside the purview of the purchase committee. In this regard, the inquiry will consider the justifications provided for these actions.
Furthermore, the inquiry will examine how the Block Medical Officer in Saller determined the reasonability of rates for the procured items and assess whether these rates were indeed reasonable.
The investigation ordered will also verify whether the procured items meet the necessary technical specifications as required.
As per the order, the inquiry will seek to establish accountability for any lapses in maintaining financial propriety at various levels and will extend its scope to include an examination of the procurements made for the Baltal axis of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra during 2022.

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