MP: Funds not utilised on ventilator purchase

Had provided Rs 66 lakh from MPLAD funds on March 25

Tribune News Service

Dharamsala, May 21

Kangra MP Kishan Kapoor has said that the state government has not spent the money he had provided from MPLAD funds for the purchase of ventilators. He gave Rs 66 lakh on March 25 for the purchase of ventilators for Tanda and Chamba medical colleges.

Kapoor, while talking to mediapersons here, said that it was unfortunate that the government had not been able to utilise funds provided by him. He added, “The Union government had asked all states to upgrade health facilities to fight coronavirus. New cases are being reported in Himachal but still only a few ventilators are available in the hospitals. I had provided Rs 66 lakh for the purchase of ventilators in Tanda and Chamba medical colleges. Now, I have come to know that even after about two months, the process to purchase ventilators has not been started. It is unfortunate.”

Meanwhile, Kapoor provided Rs 23 lakh from his MPLAD funds for the purchase of PPE kits, masks and sanitisers for the health and police staff in Chamba and Kangra districts. He said, “I have come to know that there is a shortage of masks and gloves for the police and heath staff in Chamba and Kangra districts. I have directed the Chief Medical Officers of Chamba and Kangra to purchase the protective gear and distribute it among the health and police staff at the earliest.”