‘Slow implementation of health schemes affected PGIMS’

ROHTAK: The CAG report found serious faults on the part of Pt Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) — Haryana’s premier medical institute.

The CAG report on the performance audit of the institute during 2011-2016 found lapses such as delays in procurement, usage of outdated equipment and slow implementations of health schemes. The report said PGIMS prepared no master plan during the said period to set targets or measure achievements.

“In the absence of any defined plan or manual, hospital services were not provided in structured manner and internal control was lacking,” the report said. The institute, though, swung into action after the audit and constituted a committee to prepare hospital manual, and also sent a proposal to the government regarding master plan.

Further, the audit found deficiencies in maintenance of records and suspected cash embezzlements, after which, the institute said it had chargesheeted an official concerned. The CAG report said the audit brought out certain deficiencies that weakened the institute’s ability of providing quality health services and medical education.

“Delays in procurement and obsolete equipment adversely affected the delivery of medical services and academic activities in the institute. Trauma centre, auditorium and Mother and Child Care Hospital constructed at a cost of ₹56.59 crore could not be put to use due to non-purchase of medical equipment and furniture,” the report said.

PGIMS provided consultation and treatment to 84.01 lakh patients in between January, 2011, and December, 2015, out of which, 5.02 lakh patients were admitted as indoor patients.

However, the audit found the institute made slow implementations of Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana, Centre of Excellence and the pilot programme for prevention of burn injuries, thus “delaying accrual of benefits of the schemes to the patients.” HTC