Rs 50.43 lakh bill sent, but no water tank at hospital; Gujarat Minister orders action

Gandhinagar, Aug 19 (AHN) Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansheriya has ordered a police complaint and disciplinary action against officials after finding that a 2.55 lakh-litre underground water tank approved for a hospital in Palitana in the Bhavnagar district had not been constructed, despite a bill of Rs 50.43 lakh submitted for approval.

Pansheriya took note of the issue during a recent visit to the hospital, where he found that the approved underground tank was not at the designated site.

According to the Health Department, no work had been carried out on the tank despite the bill being submitted to the higher office for approval.

The minister subsequently held a video conference with officials of Palitana Hospital and the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) to examine the matter and the role of those involved in processing the bill.

Following the review, Pansheriya directed officials to lodge a police complaint against Mehul Dave, In-Charge Executive Engineer, and N.V. Kaliya, Deputy Executive Engineer, who had submitted the bill.

He also instructed the PIU to initiate proceedings to blacklist Surat-based Dharmanandan Construction, the contractor involved in the work.

The minister further directed that action be taken to relieve the two engineers of their duties over alleged negligence in the discharge of their responsibilities, with proceedings for suspension and dismissal to be initiated as applicable.

“No negligence, malpractice or irregularity in the use of public funds allocated for the state’s healthcare services will be tolerated,” Pansheriya said.

He stressed the need for quality, transparency and accountability in government healthcare development works.

The Health Department said it is maintaining oversight of such projects to ensure that public funds are used responsibly and that approved works are completed at the site in accordance with prescribed quality and standards.

"Strict action would be taken against individuals or agencies found negligent or involved in irregularities in government works," officials added.

The action ordered in the Palitana case follows the minister’s inspection and the subsequent review of the officials and contractor associated with the project.