By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 25: The Health department on Monday hinted that there will not be any inquiry into the issue of procurement of medicines at dubious rates. The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report has recommended to the state government to initiate a thorough probe to find out the reasons behind the procurement of medicines from unapproved suppliers at higher rates.
The CAG had raised concerns over the procurement of two essential medicines at rates higher than those approved by the Central Purchase Board.
The Directorate of Health Services found itself in hot water as it failed to provide convincing justifications, resulting in an avoidable expenditure of around Rs 87 lakh for the department.
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said the department is aware of the issues and as such, it started the Meghalayan Medical Drugs & Services Limited (MMDSL) to streamline all such procurements through a transparent, timely and cost-effective process.
“The genesis of the idea comes from such issues which came time and again in the past,” Lyngdoh said, adding that the anomalies were indicated in 2019.
“The procurement of medicines, equipment etc are being handled by the MMDSL since 2023,” Lyngdoh said.
Asked if the department will order a probe, she said it will follow necessary procedures accordingly.