Rs 200 cr scam unearthed in ESI hospitals

Vigilance and Enforcement wing of the state unearthed Rs 200 crore scam in ESI hospitals. The V&E authorities initiated action against ESI director Dr. C Devika Rani and five others for being involved in the scam.

Hyderabad (Telangana): Telangana State Vigilance and Enforcement wing unearthed Rs 200 crore scam in ESI hospitals which procured the medicines at a higher price.

After a probe was conducted by the department on the contracts given to the firms for supply of medicines to dispensaries and ESI hospitals for the 2016-17 and 2018-19 financial years, the V&E authorities initiated action against ESI Director Dr C Devika Rani and five others for being involved in the scam.

Devika Rani had allegedly transferred the money illegally to the Benami firms and claimed to have paid bills of Rs 200 crore without actually supplying the medicines.

The ESI had procured several medicines for an exorbitant price. For instance, Lactulose syrup (200ml) priced at Rs 74.20 was obtained by ESI at Rs 260.

It is learned that indents were given to the firms by communicating over phone and orders were sent through an ordinary post. All the three quotations accepted during tender are said to be owned by a single-family.