Did the Maha Speaker Direct the Fadnavis Government to Present the Cancer Van Purchase Inquiry Report by the Monsoon Session's Conclusion?

Mumbai, July 3 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government is currently investigating the acquisition of vans utilized by the Public Health Department for cancer diagnosis, stated Minister of State for Public Health, Meghana Sakore Bordiar, during the Assembly session on Thursday. Following this, the Speaker mandated that the findings be presented to the Assembly before the close of the Monsoon session.

Minister Bordiar responded to accusations from the Opposition in the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, which suggested a significant scandal regarding the procurement of these vans.

She clarified that the vans were purchased via a transparent tender process; however, due to concerns raised by public representatives, an inquiry was initiated.

During the question hour, Opposition members Bhaskar Jadhav from Shiv Sena (UBT) and Vijay Wadettiwar (Congress) alleged that the vans were acquired at inflated prices and that the entire tendering process was manipulated. They insisted on stringent action against those involved.

Wadettiwar urged that the inquiry findings be disclosed in the state Assembly prior to the session's conclusion.

In response, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar instructed that the investigation be wrapped up before the session ends, and the report be submitted to the House.

Wadettiwar highlighted that the Public Health Department procured eight cancer diagnostic vans, which were alleged to have been purchased at exorbitant prices—double or even triple their actual worth. He called for an investigation into potential fraud, demanding that the report be shared with the Assembly before the session ends.

“The government has purchased eight cancer diagnostic vans. The cost of a single van should not exceed Rs 40 lakh. The equipment inside these vans is valued at no more than Rs 12 lakh. Yet, these vehicles were bought at inflated prices. Given that these vans are crucial for diagnosing a life-threatening disease like cancer, and considering that some equipment is already malfunctioning, we need clarity on this situation,” he questioned.

Shiv Sena (UBT) contended that these vans could be sourced for Rs 45 lakh instead of the Rs 90 lakh paid, raising questions about the integrity of the procurement process.

MoS Bordikar informed the Assembly that the eight cancer diagnostic vans were acquired on a turnkey basis via the GeM portal. The procurement followed a competitive tender process, with bids coming in at less than 0.94% of the estimated price. These vans are outfitted with 44 medical devices, furniture, and specific customization, adhering to government guidelines throughout the purchase.