SKIMS, the valley’s premier tertiary care center, is in news again, and unfortunately for wrong reasons. An increasing number of cases have come to fore, where allegations of irregularities in purchases, and appointments have been made. The allegations are substantiated by a probe conducted by a government appointed inquiry officer who, reportedly, has indicted the authorities for violation of the set codes. We despise corruption in all circumstances, but when a raging pandemic is in the background, it becomes deeply unsettling. As the reports suggest, ordering hospital furniture four times the requirement, using university funds, cannot be defended. Even more questionable is the procurement of transport ventilators at triple the cost, as the reports suggest. It’s is also sensed that each time only a few suppliers are favored, who at times supply the goods well in advance of formal orders. It is a matter of great concern that these particular cases have remained without follow-up action, even after preliminary inquiries have nearly indicted the authorities for unjustified cost overruns, manipulated tenders, bending of norms, and procurements of inferior quality stuff, using the excuse of an ‘exigency caused by COVID pandemic’. The allegations of irregularities have also been leveled in the conduct of examinations wherein examinees coming from a particular area have procured 100% marks as against a rather dismal performance in a similar exam conducted by JKCET. Appointments of scores of doctors in COVID un-related departments, like dentistry, are believed to have been made without proper advertisements, or after violating procedures. SKIMS is a national asset which people look up to when they have exhausted all other options. Its fabric cannot be allowed to disintegrate. The things must be fully exposed and necessary action followed. The backdrop argues for an immediate action, and also asks for profound changes in the working of this premier healthcare institution. The responsible for a wrong must face law, and law must take its course. It is time for the highest authorities in the UT to take stock of the situation, and ensure necessary action in the case of alleged corruption. SKIMS must not be allowed to decompose under the debris of such irregularities. Clear the mess, and let the institute flourish.
SKIMS: Time to take serious action
