Mangaluru’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dinesh Gundu Rao, has initiated a departmental inquiry into allegations of misappropriations related to the procurement of medical equipment for the Ayush Hospital in the city. The controversy involves the purchase of equipment worth Rs 28 lakh under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme for the hospital, which serves as a 50-bed facility.
The minister has instructed Principal Secretary Harsha Gupta to conduct a comprehensive investigation into these allegations. The inquiry follows claims made by some social activists accusing the hospital of financial mismanagement. The district Ayush officer had previously requested the minister to initiate an inquiry, citing that the activists’ accusations were causing disruptions to official duties.
Minister Rao has emphasized the necessity of the departmental probe to clarify the situation and determine the validity of the allegations. Should the investigation uncover evidence of misappropriations, the minister has directed that appropriate action be recommended against the Ayush officer involved. Conversely, if the allegations by the activists are proven to be unfounded, legal measures should be taken against them.
This inquiry aims to address concerns about transparency and accountability in the procurement process and ensure that any discrepancies are rectified.
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