By Manish Goyal
Stung by the shortage of necessary medicines, Rajasthan Medical Services Corporation Limited (RMSCL) managing director Neha Giri slapped chargesheet on her executive director Vibhu Kaushik for delay in procurement of medicines.
RMSCL is the centralised procurement agency for buying generic medicines, surgical and sutures and medical equipments for Rajasthan government.
Giri has handed over six-point chargesheet asking Vibhu Kaushik, who was on 50-day medical leave, to submit reply within 15 days to prevent any unilateral action.
The issue of shortage of critical medicine and delay in procurement was raised prominently in assembly also.
Kaushik, who joined RMSCL in October last year is said to have been nonchalant towards work since joining. He took two weeks leave soon after taking over the post before seeking leave a couple of times more.
“He went on a 50-day long medical leave at a crucial time of procurement. Now when he joined back Neha Giri sought medical and fitness certificate from him. If he fails to furnish the required document, his leave shall be deemed cancelled and departmental action will be taken,” said a senior RMSCL officer.
Neha Giri told The BuckStopper that the carelessness and inefficiency of Kaushik badly affected the procurement process of the corporation.
“We have informed about this case to higher officials including DoP, CMO, chief secretary,” she said.
Vibhu Kaushik is a 2006 batch RAS officer and has worked as special assistant and private secretary to former ministers Babu Lal Verma and Lal Chand Kataria. He had also worked at centre as additional private secretary to CP Joshi when he was union minister of state for rural development.
In his career spanning almost 19 years, he had been APO five times – three times when he switched over from personal staff of minister.
What does chargesheet say?
- Delay in drug procurement: The file sent on December 24, 2024, contained work orders for 268 items, but the process was delayed. While contracts for some drugs were expiring on December 31, 2024.
- Ignoring instructions: The list of essential medicines sought by the MD on December 26 was not made available in time.
- Holding file for three months : The work order of 137 drugs was kept pending for three months despite approval.
- Orders stuck in the draft: Work orders for 107 other drugs remained in draft, but they were also not issued.
- Sharp decline in purchases: The number of work orders in 2024-25 was significantly lower than the previous two years.
- No action despite nearing expiry: 25 drugs from 21 firms with limited shelf life remained pending since November.
