NRHM scam: Harish Rawat suggests CBI inquiry

Scam pertains to largescale irregularities in distribution of medicines worth over Rs 14 cr under NHRM in Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat has recommended a CBI probe into the NRHM scam running into crores of rupees, in the state.

The recommendation to this effect was made yesterday, official sources said here today.

The scam pertains to largescale irregularities in the distribution of medicines worth over Rs 14 crore under the National Rural Health Mission in the hill state in 2008-2009.

Rawat's recommendation comes three months after the State Information made a similar recommendation, they said.

The commission's recommendation had come on an RTI application alleging serious irregularities in distribution of medicines worth Rs 14.70 crore under the National Rural Health Mission in Uttarakhand.

The Commission had recommended a CBI probe into the scam in January this year with top health officials expressing their inability to probe it due to non-cooperation of staff.

The alleged scam had surfaced during BJP rule.

In his interim report to the commission, Director General (Health, Medical and Family Welfare) J S Pangtey had admitted that the quantity of drugs to be procured was substantially increased without any basis.