Bengaluru, Feb 25 (NationPress) - The BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has accused the state government of significant irregularities in the medicine procurement process, attributing the ongoing shortages in government hospitals to these issues.

Vijayendra asserted that the state administration and relevant ministers are accountable for the lack of medicines in both government hospitals and medical colleges.

He alleged that procurement discrepancies are occurring due to influence from a powerful individual, leading to contract splitting aimed at fostering corruption.

Additionally, he claimed that companies are hesitant to engage in tenders due to commission requirements ranging from 15% to 20%, which has caused interruptions in supply.

Vijayendra specifically pointed out Wahab Khan, a private individual from Mangaluru, as having undue control over the state's medicine procurement system, saying that his influence has led to its downfall and has adversely affected low-income patients.

He challenged Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao to clarify why tenders have reportedly been awarded to a single party and to justify the procurement of medicines at prices that are three times higher than market rates.

Moreover, he highlighted that ambulance drivers and helpers have not received their wages for the past eight to nine months, urging the government to address this situation promptly.

Vijayendra mentioned that the ambulance staff and medical personnel have been compelled to protest due to the government's negligence in addressing their grievances.

Criticizing the state government's management of the healthcare sector, he noted that government hospitals are facing severe medicine shortages, forcing impoverished patients to buy medications from private pharmacies.

He accused the government of trying to shut down Jan Aushadhi centers located within government hospitals for politically motivated reasons related to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Furthermore, he alleged that the administration has failed to settle outstanding dues of Rs 143 crore owed to a private agency providing CT scan and MRI services, which has deprived low-income patients of critical diagnostic services and has created challenges for pregnant women.

Vijayendra charged that the state government is shielding middlemen while neglecting the plight of poor citizens, focusing instead on achievement conventions.

He urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Deputy Chief Minister to cease what he termed as misleading claims and prioritize the resolution of the state's urgent issues.

Additionally, he accused the government of shirking responsibility for governance and continually blaming the former BJP administration and the Centre for ongoing predicaments.

He remarked that the Chief Minister, who has presented 16 budgets and surpassed the tenure of former Chief Minister Devaraj Urs, should leverage his experience to tackle the challenges confronting the state.