Health Ministry seeks report from AIIMS over DRI summon

The Union Health Ministry has sought a report from AIIMS after its Director was summoned by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence(DRI) in connection with its inquiry over import of medical equipments by the institution since January 2011.
However, in its reply to the Ministry, AIIMS said it has asked the DRI to send a copy of the complaint so that it can "identify" the department and the official which handled the procurement of the said items and thereby asked to respond to the queries.
The deputy director of administration at AIIMS has also told the ministry that the institute has urged the intelligence agency to reschedule the hearing of the matter.

The Health Ministry in its letter to the institute yesterday said, "Regarding inquiry in connection with imports of Microscope and its parts by AIIMS, New Delhi, from January 2011, till date, in this connection, it is requested that a report on the above may kindly be submitted by October 26 for kind perusal Health Minister."
Earlier, the DRI on October 9 summoned AIIMS Director M C Mishra for inquiry in connection with import of Microscope and its parts by the institute from January 2011 till date.
It also asked, the director to produce the evidence of purchase invoice, country of origin certificate, bill of entry, technical brochure of the product and sale invoice.

The DRI in its letter to AIIMS also mentioned that production of any false evidence in the proceedings will be an offence punishable under section 193 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
In its reply to the Ministry, the deputy director of administration at AIIMS said, "the institute has requested the concerned official (DRI) to send a copy of the complaint so that the department which handled the procurement can be identified and advised to respond to the summons."
"Kindly, adjourn the hearing scheduled for 26 October, 2015 and give AIIMS another hearing date with 30 days notice to enable adequate preparations," read the letter of Deputy Director to DRI official.