Maharashtra: Public Health Department Launches Probe Into Alleged Misuse Of Funds By District Malaria OfficersÂ
Maharashtra: Public Health Department Launches Probe Into Alleged Misuse Of Funds By District Malaria Officers
The public health department has initiated an investigation into the alleged misuse of funds received by district malaria officers (DMOs) from 22 districts. The probe was launched following complaints of irregularities in the use of funds allocated for malaria control programs.
Sachin Chate, joint director of health services, has ordered a special audit of the funds received and allocated by DMOs from 2017-2018 to 2021-2022. The audit will cover DMOs from districts including Pune, Nagpur, and Thane, among others.
According to officials, DMOs receive around ₹11 crore to ₹12 crore annually through the District Planning Committee. However, health activist Sharad Shetty alleged that rules were not being followed during purchase and payments made to supplier companies, resulting in undue benefits to these companies.
Shetty claimed that local purchases exceeding ₹5,000 were made without following proper procedures, and demanded administrative action against officers and staff involved in the discrepancies.
The special audit is expected to uncover financial irregularities and ensure that funds allocated for malaria control programs are used effectively and efficiently.
