*YSRCP demands inquiry into TTD relaxing tender norms*

Tirupati, August 3: YSRCP has demanded an inquiry into the relaxation of bidding qualifications for the supply of medicines and medical equipment to TTD-run hospitals, saying the move would lead to corruption and compromise the quality of medicines and medical equipment.

Speaking to the media here on Monday, former TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy said the TTD Governing Board had decided to relax the eligibility criteria for bidding companies from Rs.100 crore to Rs.25 crore for the supply of medicines and medical equipment to TTD-run hospitals. In certain categories, the turnover requirement has been brought down even further to Rs.15 crore, he said.

He said this was done under the instructions of Nara Lokesh, despite objections raised by a Board member representing a reputed pharmaceutical company.

With the relaxation of norms, the quality of medicines and medical equipment will be compromised, and the decision has been taken only to facilitate kickbacks, he said, adding that even life-saving drugs and high-value medical equipment would be procured under the diluted norms.

The decision, he said, was taken based on the recommendations of an anonymous committee headed by Dr. Jagadish, whose role in the entire process has raised serious questions.

Setting aside the norms followed by AIIMS and other premier medical institutions and allowing companies with a much lower turnover to participate only reflects the corrupt intentions behind the decision, influenced by Nara Lokesh, he said.

The argument that the relaxation was intended only to encourage greater participation in the tender process cuts no ice, he said, while demanding an independent inquiry into the decision, warning that it could ultimately affect the lives of patients.