New govt’s common minimum program: Alleged irregularities in medical supplies procurement to be investigated

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.

NL Today

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Kathmandu: The government has announced to investigate the alleged irregularities in the procurement of medical supplies by the erstwhile KP Sharma Oli-led government.

The earlier government has been accused of irregularities while purchasing medical supplies when the country was hit by the first wave of the pandemic. A ‘Common Minimum Program’ of the coalition government has mentioned investigating the incident and taking action against the culprits.

The then Health Minister Bhanubhakta Dhakal, Health Secretary Yadav Koirala, the then Director General of the Department of Health Services Mahendra Shrestha and Expert Advisor to Minister Dhakal Dr Khem Karki among others were questioned by the Accounts Committee of the Parliament over alleged irregularities.

The coalition government has set a target of vaccinating one-third of the country’s population by mid-October this year and vaccinate all eligible citizens by mid-April next year.

The ‘Common Minimum Program’ states that the government will ensure a smooth supply of health supplies and make Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available for health workers.

It is stated in the joint program that incentive will be provided to the health workers, hospital staff, ambulance drivers, cleaners and security personnel. Likewise, it has been mentioned that priority will be given to the development of the physical infrastructure of hospitals.