Delhi government reshuffles over 40 staff in health procurement agency

Photo credit: PTI

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has transferred more than 40 personnel associated with the Central Procurement Agency (CPA) as part of a restructuring exercise aimed at improving efficiency and transparency in the health sector, according to an official statement.The CPA, which functions under the department of health and family welfare, is responsible for the procurement and supply of medicines, medical equipment and other essential healthcare materials for government health facilities in the capital, a statement from the chief minister’s office said.Amid recent reports of allegations regarding irregularities in the department, chief minister Rekha Gupta said the exercise was aimed at making health services more robust, transparent and accountable, adding that negligence and indiscipline would not be tolerated.According to the statement, 10 doctors, including Head of Office Dr Vinod Kumar Ranga, have been transferred as part of the exercise. Nineteen paramedical employees, including pharmacists, junior medical laboratory technicians, lab attendants and drivers, have also been shifted.In addition, 10 administrative employees at the levels of section officer, senior assistant and junior assistant have been transferred to improve administrative efficiency, it said.Apart from this, 20 employees have been transferred to strengthen paramedical services.The government has also posted 12 medical officers from various hospitals and health institutions to the CPA. These include officers at the levels of Senior Medical Officer, Medical Officer and Chief Medical Officer.The statement said the status of officers and employees working in the agency was reviewed and information regarding personnel drawing salaries from the CPA while serving elsewhere was compiled to ensure better utilisation of available resources.Additional responsibilities have also been assigned to officers handling various units, including the Project Branch, Store and Purchase Branch, Computer Cell, Mobile Health Scheme, Public Grievance Monitoring System, RTI matters and hospital coordination.Gupta said the government was committed to strengthening the procurement and supply system for medicines and medical equipment and ensuring timely healthcare services for residents of the national capital. PTI SGV MPL