Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil on Thursday admitted that tenders to procure life-saving medicines at the Chikkamagaluru Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS) were awarded at exorbitant prices and announced that an expert committee inquiry would be conducted into the matter.
Replying to a calling attention motion moved by BJP MLCs C T Ravi, Bharati Shetty and others in the Legislative Council, the minister said the inquiry would also verify medicine procurement prices across all government medical institutes in Karnataka.
Price disparity found across districts
Patil said the issue came to light following a formal complaint, after which officials found significant variations in medicine prices procured by the Chikkamagaluru institute compared to similar purchases in Kodagu, Haveri and Raichur.
“Tenders were awarded to procure 416 types of medicines from six agencies at a total cost of ₹4.90 crore for 2025–26,” the minister informed the House.
Supply withheld after irregularities detected
He added that after discrepancies were noticed, the government withheld the supply of medicines worth ₹4.53 crore, while allowing the receipt of essential life-saving drugs worth ₹36.28 lakh to avoid disruption in patient care.
The minister acknowledged that corrective steps were necessary to prevent misuse of public funds while ensuring uninterrupted medical services.
Opposition flags wider concern
C T Ravi said such irregularities may not be limited to Chikkamagaluru alone.
“This kind of pricing manipulation could have occurred in other government medical institutes as well,” he cautioned, seeking a broader audit.
Autonomy defended, price ceiling proposed
Patil defended the existing system that allows autonomous medical institutes to float their own tenders, stating that a fully centralised tender process could disrupt supplies if delays occur.
“However, the expert committee will also be asked to suggest a ceiling on medicine prices to prevent overpricing and protect public interest,” he said.
The minister assured the Council that the government would take strict action if irregularities were established and ensure transparency in future procurement.