Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Feb 11: Relating to allegations that the people in charge of procurement at the government Lady Goschen Hospital had violated procurement norms and made direct purchases without calling for tenders by bending rules, the medical superintendent of the hospital has clarified that operation theatre towels had been directly purchased for emergency use by the hospital. The official, in a press release, said that the purchase was made through rate lists and The Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement Rules 2000 was not violated.

Responding to allegations made in a section of the press, the medical superintendent, in written clarification, concurred that purchase of towels, full sleeve operation theatre gowns and half sleeve gowns for patients were bought directly without the tender process. "These procurements were made as the stock of these items had been exhausted in December 2019, and the hospital needed additional stock for shifting patients to new building. Therefore, emergency purchase was made through
competitive rate lists," the official explained.

About the non-functional ultra sound scanning machine, the medical superintendent stated that the matter had been taken up with district health and welfare department but as per the maintenance agreement of medical equipment, KMC had paid the money needed for repairs, and the machine is functioning satisfactorily now. "A private concern directly paid the bill towards Hamilton ventilator, and three-seat chairs were bought by taking into account durability and the procurement was done at the lowest rate," the superintendent said.