CBI files charge sheet in Uttar Pradesh NRHM scam

NEW DELHI: CBI has filed a charge sheet against the then Chief Medical Officer and Chief Medical Officer (Family welfare) of Chandauli and an eye surgeon in connection with National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam of Uttar Pradesh.

CBI spokesperson said here today that the Chandauli based doctors entered into a conspiracy with Mughalsarai based private firm and a brother of the eye surgeon allegedly fudged supplies from the firm.

"It was alleged that during the period 2008-2009, 2009-2010 & 2010-2011, then CMO, Chandauli purchased medicines under National Blindness Control Project (NBCP), one of the schemes under NRHM from the proprietor of private firm on the basis of forged quotations.

"It was also alleged that then eye surgeon and HOD, NBCP Programme, Chandauli himself received the eye medicines and surgical items from said firm also verified the bills and thereafter issued the cheque/payments as well," the spokesperson said.

It is alleged that the eye surgeon neither allegedly purchased the medicines at rate contract rates (which were available) nor conducted eye operation on the required number of patients but excess amount was paid by the then CMO, Chandauli to said firm causing loss of Rs 9.06 lakh to the exchequer, she said.

CBI has alleged in the charge sheet that its investigation shows that then CMO, Chandauli and then eye surgeon, Chandauli, who was the user of the medicine, in collusion with each other and in violation of established procedure for procurement of medicines and equipment.

They allegedly violated other guidelines of the Government under NRHM and made the purchase of medicines for eye operations at exorbitant rates directly from a private shop/firm based at Mughalsarai, Chandauli, owned by the brother of then eye surgeon.

"Even though the amount involved was more than Rs one lakh, they allegedly purchased the medicines from the firms directly without calling quotations, involving any purchase committee & surveying the local market.

"Investigation also revealed that the owner of the firm (elder brother of then eye surgeon, Chandauli) was allegedly running his firm from a hospital premises and the supplier firm was neither an authorised dealer nor authorised government retail outlet," she said.