Tarun Gogoi orders probe on purchase of medicine during Himanta Biswa Sarma’s tenure

GUWAHATI: What is expected to kick start political slug fest, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi ordered Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia to probe into the procurement of medicine, purchase of non-essential drugs and delay in constituting Assam Medical Services Corporation.

Gogoi's man Friday Himanta Biswa Sarma was the health minister from 2006-2014. However later he become Gogoi bete noire and joined BJP.

Gogoi in his directive, asked the Chief Secretary to find out why branded drugs were purchased by the Health & Family Welfare Department during the past many years in spite of a policy for procurement of generic drugs. “This matter may be verified and responsibility fixed on individuals concerned for causing loss to public exchequer due to procurement of branded drugs instead of generic drugs."

Gogoi also asked the Chief Secretary to probe into the extent of procurement of non-essential drugs since 2006 by the Health & Family Welfare Department and the amount involved in purchasing the same. “It is to be examined whether such procurement was necessary and responsibility may be fixed on individuals responsible for any irregularities."

Gogoi on Thursday said despite his instruction for purchasing generic drug Himanta he did not do it.

Already Himanta has filed several defamation cases against Gogoi for the chief Minster is severely attacking Himanta. Former minister is spearheading BJP's attack on the Gogoi government.

Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to fix up responsibility on individuals for the delay in setting up of the Assam Medical Services Corporation despite his clear instructions to the department.

Gogoi further asked the Chief Secretary to pass on instruction to the Director of Financial Inspection to carry out inspection of financial matters pertaining to National Health Mission during the last 10 years and to submit the report urgently.