CBI questions executives of private firm in NRHM scam

NEW DELHI: CBI has recently questioned executives of a private firm in connection with alleged irregularities in supply of mobile medical units for providing medical facilities in some districts of Uttar Pradesh under the National Rural Health Mission.

CBI sources said two private firms and a UP-based NGO are being probed for their alleged role in grabbing the contract worth over Rs 42 crore which caused an approximate loss of over Rs 20 crore to the exchequer.

They said representatives of the private firm were questioned at CBI headquarters recently for nearly eight hours in connection with the scam.

CBI is suspecting there were alleged irregularities in the tendering process of the scheme and a case was registered in March this year, they said.

The scheme was launched last year under the public-private partnership model to provide medical help to rural people in 133 blocks spread over 15 districts which were difficult to reach or affected by Maoists.

Under NRHM, a budget of Rs 42.68 crore was approved by the Centre for the project for providing facilities including mother and child healthcare, immunisation programmes besides other services which are available at Primary Health Centre. Each unit had a medical and support staff provided by the operating firms on contract basis.