Gujarat MLA Accuses Health Department of Negligence in Assembly
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Synopsis
BJP MLA Kumar Kanani has raised critical concerns in the Gujarat Assembly regarding the Health Department's handling of food adulteration. He highlighted inefficiencies, delayed approvals for Ayushman Card patients, and significant food safety issues. The Gujarat authorities have reported alarming rates of food adulteration and are taking steps to address these problems.
Key Takeaways
- Kumar Kanani criticizes the Health Department for negligence.
- Over 11% of examined food samples in Gujarat were adulterated.
- Ayushman Card patients face delays in surgeries.
- Authorities seized contaminated food products worth over Rs 6.3 crore.
- Continuous efforts are being made to combat food adulteration.
Surat, March 25 (NationPress) BJP MLA Kumar Kanani, renowned for his outspoken nature, has ignited conversations once more, this time within the Gujarat Assembly. During the Question Hour, Kanani made grave accusations against the state’s Health Department regarding the surge in food adulteration cases.
Expressing his discontent, Kanani remarked: "When we reach out to the Health Department, there is no reply. Does a heart attack wait for the appropriate moment? Food adulteration is a pressing matter that requires immediate action."
He further condemned the inefficiency within the health sector, asserting that even patients holding Ayushman Cards experience delays in obtaining surgery approvals.
Kanani highlighted that the department’s negligence could lead to dire outcomes. He pointed out the sluggish response to food quality inspections, saying: "By the time lab results confirm adulteration, the tainted food has already been consumed. Authorities must impose strict legal penalties on those involved in food adulteration."
In the last three years, Gujarat authorities have scrutinized 41,509 food samples, discovering that around 11.2 percent (4,506 samples) were adulterated.
This resulted in the filing of 4,506 civil complaints and 168 criminal cases, with a prosecution rate slightly above 11 percent.
As part of a focused initiative during the "Food Safety Fortnight" from October 3 to October 17, 2024, the Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) undertook comprehensive inspections, gathering 8,246 food samples, including sweets, ghee, paneer, and packaged water—items deemed high-risk during festive periods.
This campaign led to the confiscation of contaminated food products valued at over Rs 6.3 crore.
Health Minister Rushikesh Patel stressed a zero-tolerance stance towards offenders, reaffirming the state's dedication to ensuring food safety.
Noteworthy instances of adulteration have also surfaced in the Public Distribution System (PDS).
In February 2025, a major raid in Banaskantha district resulted in the seizure of 4,000 kg of adulterated ghee worth Rs 17.5 lakh. This operation, carried out by the Food and Drugs Department, underscores the ongoing challenge of adulteration in dairy products.
