Second Inquiry in a Week as State Health Department Faces Heat Over Irregularities
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Public Health Department has launched an official probe into alleged irregularities in a ₹62-crore tender for cold chain equipment meant for vaccine storage, following a directive from the Union Health Ministry, a senior government official said on Monday.
The tender is under scrutiny for possible violations of procurement norms, including awarding contracts at prices allegedly four to five times higher than prevailing market rates.
Second Tender Inquiry in a Week
This investigation comes close on the heels of a similar inquiry into a ₹56-crore tender for medical equipment, also under the Maharashtra Medical Goods Procurement Authority (MMGPA). The cumulative effect raises serious concerns over procurement integrity within the state’s public health infrastructure.
Timeline of the Allegations
According to PTI, the tender for ice-lined refrigerators (ILRs) and deep freezers was floated on July 4 and 5, 2024, just before the announcement of Assembly elections in November. The complaint—filed on April 18 through CPGRAMS—alleges that terms were tailored to favour two contractors, namely:
- Ashoka Sthapatya Pvt Ltd – Awarded ₹33 crore for ILRs.
- Rahul Distributors Pvt Ltd – Awarded ₹29 crore for deep freezers.
The combined value of the tenders: ₹62 crore.
Complaint Highlights Alleged Violations:
- Purchase prices far exceeded GeM rates (ILRs at ₹3.04 lakh vs market ₹80,000).
- Guidelines under CVC, GFR 2017, and Maharashtra State Procurement Policy allegedly bypassed.
- ‘Make in India’ clause was removed from the tender, undermining national objectives.
- OEM and reseller participated simultaneously.
- Import licences submitted post-deadline.
- Local supplier preference was ignored.
Despite early red flags, the complaint says that ₹22 crore worth of bills were cleared by March 31.
Investigation Ordered
On June 2, Health Secretary Nipun Vinayak ordered a detailed investigation and directed the Commissioner of Health Services to act based on findings. The Union Health Ministry has also forwarded the complaint to the Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM) and SEPIO Maharashtra.
Concerns Over Transparency and Oversight
The allegations raise concerns over financial mismanagement, collusion, and potential sabotage of policy guidelines. The lack of compliance with procurement laws and inflated billing suggests deliberate efforts to favour select vendors at public expense.
The state government is expected to submit its findings in the coming weeks.
