CBI to register multiple new cases in NRHM scam

A day after filing FIRs against three former senior district medical officers of Sitapur and Lakhimpur Kheri districts of Uttar Pradesh for their alleged role in the irregularities committed in the procurement of medicines in state government-run hospitals, the CBI is all set to register multiple cases against several medical officers of different districts of the state. The fresh cases, sources said, will be registered as part of CBI’s ongoing investigations into the multi-crore National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) scam in UP. The NRHM scam took place during the Mayawati regime in which central funds for upgrading medical facilities in the state were allegedly siphoned off.

Sources said, “Investigations by the agency have revealed that several government-run hospitals in the state did not provide free spectacles to those who underwent surgery in at least five districts in the state under the Centrally sponsored programme. Agency sleuths investigated the role of concerned CMOs and certain local politicians also in this connection.” Now the CBI is preparing to name them as accused in its fresh cases which are likely to be registered, sources said adding that the agency will soon file at least 10 more cases in this regard.

Besides, there are allegations that CMOs of around 17 districts allegedly misused Central funds released under the NRHM for Blindness Eradication Programme (BEP). “Investigations revealed that huge amounts of illegal gratification were allegedly given by beneficiary firms, for awarding contracts, including for BEP, under NRHM for the entire state, to the then UP family welfare minister Babu Singh Kushwaha and two former legislators,” sources said. The agency has concluded its investigations into the matter and is expected to file fresh cases in a day or two, they added.

The CBI has so far registered more than 100 cases in the NRHM scam. Large-scale irregularities in the implementation of the NRHM scam in UP came to light after two CMOs — Dr VK Arya and Dr BP Singh — were shot in Lucknow within a period of six months in 2011.

Besides, deputy CMO Y.S. Sachan, who was an accused in both the murder case and NRHM irregularities in the Lucknow CMO office, was found dead in Lucknow jail in June, 2011.