The Asian Age

CBI to register multiple new cases in NRHM scam

- PRAMOD KUMAR NEW DELHI, JULY 14

A day after filing FIRs against three former senior district medical officers of Sitapur and Lakhimpur Kheri districts of Uttar Pradesh for their alleged role in the irregulari­ties committed in the procuremen­t of medicines in state government- run hospitals, the CBI is all set to register multiple cases against several medical officers of different districts of the state. The fresh cases, sources said, will be registered as part of CBI’s ongoing investigat­ions into the multicrore National Rural Health Mission ( NRHM) scam in UP. The NRHM scam took place during the Mayawati regime in which central funds for upgrading medical facilities in the state were allegedly siphoned off.

Investigat­ions have revealed that several govt- run hospitals in UP did not provide free spectacles to those who underwent surgery

Sources said, “Investigat­ions by the agency have revealed that several government- run hospitals in the state did not provide free spectacles to those who underwent surgery in at least five districts in the state under the Centrally sponsored programme. Agency sleuths investigat­ed the role of concerned CMOs and certain local politician­s also in this connection.” Now the CBI is preparing to name them as accused in its fresh cases which are likely to be registered, sources said adding that the agency will soon file at least 10 more cases in this regard.

Besides, there are allegation­s that CMOs of around 17 districts allegedly misused Central funds released under the NRHM for Blindness Eradicatio­n Programme ( BEP). “Investigat­ions revealed that huge amounts of illegal gratificat­ion were allegedly given by beneficiar­y firms, for awarding contracts, including for BEP, under NRHM for the entire state, to the then UP family welfare minister Babu Singh Kushwaha and two former legislator­s,” sources said. The agency has concluded its investigat­ions into the matter and is expected to file fresh cases in a day or two, they added.

The CBI has so far registered more than 100 cases in the NRHM scam.

 ?? — PTI ?? Artistes dance near the three chariots, ready to be pulled, during the Bahuda rath yatra ( the return journey) in Puri, Orissa, on Thursday.
— PTI Artistes dance near the three chariots, ready to be pulled, during the Bahuda rath yatra ( the return journey) in Puri, Orissa, on Thursday.

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