From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 17: The Congress party on Thursday November 17 raised doubts over the projects undertaken by Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity, which is being introduced for the first time in this state-run institution.

The GMCH has allowed three pharma companies to execute various projects in the medical facility (hospital) located in Bambolim village. But the Congress party has alleged that “this is the highest level of corruption.”

“This is the highest level of corruption that has entered GMCH because the doctors will be forced to prescribe medicines and medical equipment from these pharma companies and for which heavy kickbacks will be given to the ring masters comprising minimum four people at the top level,” Congress’ Goa spokesman Trajano D’Mello alleged addressing a press conference on Thursday.

“The GMCH together with the Medical Council are supposed to be the custodians and guardians of the code of medical ethics. One of the code of medical ethics is not to receive money by doctors or medical institutions from any pharma company,” he said.

D’Mello alleged that the GMC being the guardian of medical ethics has thrown the code of medical ethics to the winds thereby opening the gates for corruption.

“A fortnight ago the Dean called for a meeting of HoDs and faculty members where the Dean announced that under the CSR three pharma companies, whose names I am withholding for the moment, have agreed to undertake three projects for the benefit of GMCH,” he added.

The companies are supposed to execute projects like new well for water in GMCH, supply of dozens of computers for the whole of GMCH within the range of almost 100 computers costing Rs 2 crores and supply LED TVs supplied by a pharma company.

“The Dean has directed all HoDs and faculty members to cooperate with these pharma companies. The total cost of these three projects will be a meagre amount of Rs five crores compared to the government pumping in over Rs 100 crores for the Deen Dayal Swasth Seva Yojana (DDSSY) medical insurance scheme,” he commented.

The congress has demanded that this corrupt move under the guise of social responsibility be scrapped.