Rajasthan government criticized for non-tendered medicine purchases

The government is facing criticism after a report revealed that SN Medical College in Jodhpur spent Rs 5 crore on medicines without issuing tenders. This was during the financial year 2024-25. In contrast, the college obtained medicines worth Rs 28.5 crore through the proper tendering process. Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar responded to questions from Congress MLA Rafeek Khan. He stated that medical institutions follow the rules for purchasing health supplies. However, in urgent situations, purchases might happen without going through tenders. Khimsar promised a thorough investigation of any complaints about these irregularities. Khimsar explained that some of the medicines were bought from cooperative consumer centers and local sources for less than Rs 10,000 without tenders. He noted the importance of speed in some equipment purchases, which also were done without tenders. For the financial year 2024-25, the total tender-based procurement in the medical department reached Rs 1,366.7 crore for medicines and Rs 110.9 crore for equipment by early March. An update about ongoing projects was also shared. The new IPD Tower at SMS Hospital in Jaipur is set to be finished by 2028, while the Cardiac Tower will be ready in three to four months, offering new heart services.