Multi Crore Scam in X-ray Film Purchase: Kerala Govt Confirms Irregularities

Kochi: Multi-crore irregularities have been confirmed by the state health authorities in the purchase of X-ray film for use in computerized radiography machines at medical colleges and government hospitals.

The government hospitals and medical colleges have purchased the film through a private company set aside the 6 years agreement with the Kerala Medical Services Corporation (KMSCL) for the supply of the film leading to multi-crore loot.

The private company gave a quotation of Rs 52-54 to the hospitals, hiding the deal with KMSCL whereas the agreement with KMSCL was for the supply of the film at Rs 32-34 from 2013 to 2018 August. Most of the hospitals buy at the same rate which was quoted by the private firm. The estimated loss incurred in six years could be around Rs 30 crore.

Principal Secretary-Health Rajeev Sadanandan told Manorama that money lost will be levied from officials, who facilitated the purchase at higher rates.

The computerized radiography machines have provided to 70 hospitals by KMSCL. A loss of Rs 9.66 lakh has been confirmed at Thrissur Medical College itself within one year.

Manorama reports that there had been major irregularities linked to the purchase of the film at high rates. The principal secretary had ordered a probe immediately.

The health department has found that some heads of departments at the medical colleges colluded to help the private company despite being aware of the KMSCL agreement whereas one conclusion is that the private company fooled the hospitals.

Utilizing the hospital development funds and money from the Central government's Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) programme, the radiography machines were purchased and supplied through KMSCL for Rs 19, 09, 950 which included service charges.