An investigation has been launched by the Health and Medical Education Department regarding alleged violations of regulations by the Director of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK). The investigation will examine the procurements made for the Baltal axis of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra during 2022. The Director is accused of delegating financial powers to Chief Medical Officers against established protocols. The inquiry, to be led by Managing Director of the Medical Supplies Corporation Limited, will investigate the circumstances that led to the delegation of financial powers to the CMOs despite the existence of a Central Purchase Committee at the Directorate level. It will also look into 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. The investigation 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.
The administration’s policy towards corruption and the corrupt is clear, and therefore any violations should be dealt with appropriately. Despite past inquiries and reports from the CAG pointing out irregularities in medical equipment purchases, no significant accountability has been established, and rules continue to be blatantly violated. The administration must intervene and conduct an independent inquiry to uncover the truth. The established rules and regulations for Government departments, including the various committees responsible for overseeing purchases, must be strictly followed, and any deviation must receive prior approval. The alleged violation of rules by the Director of Health Services Kashmir, including the delegation of financial powers to Chief Medical Officers and subsequent violations by lower-level officers, must be thoroughly investigated. The inquiry should hold those responsible for any lapses in maintaining financial propriety accountable, and if any violations are found, departmental action must be taken accordingly.
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