Govt refutes allegations of favouritism to drug suppliers

SHILLONG: The state government has refuted the allegations levelled by the North East Drugs Suppliers Association that there was corruption and favouritism in tender for procurement of drugs and chemicals floated by the Directorate of Health Services (MI).
Pravin Bakshi, secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, said the matter has been discussed internally and the department does not see any truth in the allegations.
“It appears that those who made the allegations were not able to qualify for the tender. The conditions for the tenders were such that the government wanted the best drug at the best price,” he said and added that the tender was floated following due process and even a tender committee was formed with members from different departments.
Bakshi suggested that the aggrieved parties submit representations before the government on the grievances.
The North East Drugs Suppliers Association had alleged that there is corruption and favouritism in tender called by the Directorate of Health Services (MI).
The statement had said the nexus between three main local suppliers and officers was apparent from the tender.
According to the association, there is a cartel of the three suppliers, one of them being the president of the Meghalaya Medicine Suppliers Association, who gets majority of the supply orders and payments.