PANAJI
The Comptroller and Auditor General found flaws in the current system of procuring drugs and medicines and distributing it among the primary health centres noting in its report that these are not available to the public there and also at government hospitals.
The CAG in its report advised the State Government to frame a ‘policy’ to centrally procure drugs, consumables and equipment in public health institutions.
The CAG also asked the State government to consider setting up a “Centralised Procurement Body” so that quality, delivery timelines and cost economy is ensured in the procurement of requirements of the public health institutions including the primary health centres and government hospitals.
These remarks of the CAG were contained in the performance audit report on Public Health infrastructure and management of health services in the State.
The CAG has also noted in the report “severe shortages” of doctors, nurses and paramedics in public hospitals.
Even the State’s premier health institution “ the Goa Medical College and Hospital “ has only half its strength, the CAG has pointed out, saying it had a shortfall of nearly 51 per cent of doctors and medical officers.
