Nitesh Sangral
Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 11: Making mockery of State Health Ministry's claims that Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (JKMSCL) is meant to purchase quality drugs at lowest possible rates and stop backdoor purchases , it as failed to build trust in tenderers' mind allegedly due to 'Arbitrary Clauses' in the tender.
Pertinently, JKMSCL failed to complete tendering process and release payments to the vendors in time, owing to which all government hospitals from sub district level to Government Medical Colleges across State have been suffering due to insufficient of drugs, surgical and other related items. Reliable sources told Early Times, that JKMSCL had to issue tenders repeatedly for establishment of H1N1 Swine Flu Laboratory, procurement of equipment worth Rs 1.12 crore for Indira Gandhi Dental College Hospital, due to poor response in tendering process. Sources also alleged that to extend undue favour to some 'blue eyed' firms or persons , 'Arbitrary Clauses' were incorporated in the tender document.
"As per clauses, the JKMSC demands viz huge turnovers, unnecessary certifications to promote big fishes, restricting genuine but small suppliers", sources alleged adding that continuous delay in finalization or cancelation of tenders due to less participation is otherwise affecting the purchases of life saving items for hospitals across the state.
Sources also alleged that the payments of suppliers and vendors are also being delayed or kept on hold which is another reason behind poor participation. In the absence of clear policy on payments and dictatorial attitude of the officials tenderers are demoralized and discouraged.
"There were high hopes from the Corporation that the unethical practice shall be stopped after constitution of JKMSCL but the same old tradition of purchase committees is being adopted by JKMSCL", a senior doctor, seeking anonymity, alleged. |
