Probe ordered on drugs purchase

KPCC member S Mohandas Hegde had lodged a complaint to the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary alleging that drugs have been procured directly from the Karnataka Antibiotics and Pharmaceuticals Limited obtaining exemption from KTPP Act. The Health department, however, has not cited any reason for sanctioning the exemption.

The KTPP Act stipulates that goods and services should be procured only by inviting tenders. Exemptions can be obtained in case of emergency requirement, but the Government should specify the reason. The department paid Rs 32.25 crore to procure the drugs, which, if bought through competitive bidding, would have cost less than Rs 14.70 crore, Hegde alleged.