Mumbai: State government-owned Haffkine Biopharmaceutical Corporation Ltd., censured by the Supreme Court in July for violating Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) norms while floating tenders worth ₹150 crore for the supply of bulk drugs, continues to be the nodal State agency for procuring medical supplies.
The medicines, equipment and related goods it procures are distributed to hospitals, clinics and medical colleges run by the Public Health and Medical Education departments and civic bodies
The BJP-led State government is yet to initiate action against Haffkine officials for violating CVC guidelines.
The matter was brought up with the Prime Minister’s Office by Pune-based activist Chandrakant Kadam following the SC order to issue fresh tenders, and the complaint was forwarded to the State government for action.
On July 26, a day before SC order, the Public Health Department had issued a Government Resolution (GR) appointing Haffkine as the nodal agency to purchase medical supplies. Despite the apex court order, the GR has neither been modified nor has an inquiry been initiated against Haffkine officials.
In its order on October 7, 2016, in the same case, the Bombay High Court had questioned Haffkine on irregularities in awarding contracts for bulk drug supply.
Mr. Kadam said, “We’re not against centralised purchase of medicines and equipment, but we expect an inquiry after the SC order. We fear similar irregularities in future tenders if action isn’t taken against those guilty in this case. The State government’s silence in this case seems to be deliberate.”
State Health Minister Dr. Deepak Sawant did not respond calls and text messages from The Hindu seeking his comment.
