Lokayukta surprise visit exposes lapses at state-run cancer hospital in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: The Karnataka Lokayukta has initiated a suo motu probe into alleged mismanagement, irregularities, and malpractice at Kidwai Memorial Cancer Hospital following an anonymous complaint.
Citing concerns that prior intimation could lead to evidence being tampered with, Lokayukta Justice B.S. Patil carried out a surprise inspection of the hospital on Friday.
According to a report published by The Hindu, several lapses were revealed during the visit. The hospital is currently overseen by an IAS officer holding additional charge as administrative head, who visits only once a week.
A shortage of doctors and support staff was also flagged, raising concerns over the hospital’s ability to handle its patient load.
At the Central Drug Store, officials said that 40% of drug costs are borne by the state government and 60% by the Centre, making high-cost medicines available at subsidised rates. However, patients reportedly complained that essential drugs such as Enzalutamide 160 mg and Exylete were often unavailable at the hospital pharmacy, with some staff allegedly directing them to private stores to purchase the medicines. The Lokayukta directed the hospital director to take immediate action against such practices and submit a compliance report.
Justice B.S. Patil further ordered the inspection team to conduct a department-wide audit and prepare a detailed report on the irregularities reported at the hospital.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Maoist carrying bounty of Rs 15 lakh among four killed in gunfight with security forces in J’khand
Hazaribag (PTI): Four Maoists, including one carrying a reward of Rs 15 lakh on his head, were killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jharkhand's Hazaribag district on Friday, police officials said.
The encounter took place in the Khapia forest area within the Keredari police station limits, following a tip-off.
"Four Maoists were killed in a gunfight with joint forces in 'Operation KotiNeer'. The Maoists killed have been identified as regional committee member Sahdeo Maho, carrying a reward of Rs 15 lakh, Ranjit Ganjhu, Zonal committee member, carrying a reward of Rs 10 lakh," IG, CRPF, Saket Kumar Singh told mediapersons.
The remaining two are Area Commander Budhan Karmali, carrying a reward of Rs one lakh and sub-zonal committee member Natasha, a woman who hailed from Gadchiroli in Maharashtra.
SDPO of Barkagaon, Pawan Kumar, said that no security personnel were injured in the operation.
The Maoists killed were wanted in about 80 cases.
With the encounter, only 57 Maoists are left in the state, the IG said.
A number of arms were also recovered during the operation including two AK 47 and one INSAS rifles.
The development comes close on the heels of a fierce exchange of fire between a Maoist squad headed by Misir Besra, who carries a bounty of Rs 1 crore, and police personnel on April 15 in Jharkhand's West Singhbhum. Four security personnel were injured in the encounter.
The Centre has already informed the state governments that there are no Naxal violence-affected districts in the country, more than five decades since Left Wing Extremism (LWE) originated in India.
The declaration followed a high-level security review held earlier this month by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the mandated 'National Policy and Action Plan to Address Left Wing Extremism' formulated in 2015.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed Parliament on March 30 that India was free from Maoists.
_vb_05.jpeg)
