Corrupt Practices Prevalent in CGHS: Lok Sabha Q&A

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA

CORRUPT PRACTICES PREVALENT IN CGHS

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a) whether the cases of corrupt practices prevalent in CGHS have been reported;

(b) if so, the details thereof during the last three years; and

(c) the action taken by the Government against the persons involved in these corrupt practices till date along with the outcome thereof?

ANSWERED ON 17.08.2012

ANSWER by MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a): Yes.

(b) & (c) Delhi Police had arrested some CGHS officials for investigating into the charges of selling of stolen CGHS medicines in the open market in the last three years as indicated below:

2009 – Shri Revati Prasad Sharma, Pharmacist / Storekeeper, Vivek Vihar dispensary and Shri Mithun Tyagi, Computer Operator, Yamuna Vihar Wellness Centre

2010 – Nil

2011 – Five officials of various CGHS dispensaries : S/Shri Attar Singh Mastwal, Pharmacist/Storekeeper, Ravinder Kumar, Pharmacist, Krishan Kumar Pharmacist, Sunil Kumar, Pharmacist and Bachcha Singh,Dresser.

Action Taken:- The services of Shri Mithun Tyagi have been terminated. Departmental Enquiry against Shri Revati Prasad Sharma has been completed and penalty imposed for recovery of cost of medicines found short. For the remaining five officials, Departmental enquiry has been instituted as per rule. Further, to check pilferage of medicines from CGHS, detailed instructions have been issued to all CMOs i/c Vide Circular dated 10th August 2011.

April 2012- Recently, one such case has also been reported from CGHS dispensary, Kamla Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad regarding issuance of medicines fraudulently in name of CGHS beneficiaries who are not visiting CGHS dispensary regularly, by quoting their CGHS card no.

Action Taken: After preliminary departmental enquiry, two Data Entry Operators have been removed and one senior doctor, one pharmacist /store keeper and one LDC have been suspended. In addition, the CMO In charge and a Senior CMO have been transferred with immediate effect. The Authorized Local Chemist has also been removed. A detailed enquiry has been ordered to initiate disciplinary action against the delinquent officers and staff of CGHS.

2012- Based on a complaint received that regarding issuance of medicines fraudulently in name of CGHS beneficiaries who are not visiting CGHS dispensary through CGHS Wellness Centre at South Avenue, a preliminary departmental enquiry has been conducted and one senior medical officer, one pharmacist and one clerk have been suspended in July 2012. CBI has been asked to investigate the matter.

SMS facility has been initiated, since the first week of July 2012. SMS messages are sent to the beneficiaries whose mobile phone numbers are available. The messages are sent after registration and consultation with the doctor and collection of medicines at CGHS Wellness Centre.

SMS facility has been started

(i) As deterrent against misuse of CGHS card by unauthorized persons

(ii) As good will gesture that CGHS takes care of the beneficiaries.