The Andhra Pradesh authorities is planning to terminate its contract signed with the Aurobindo Emergency Medical Companies (AEMS), a bunch firm of Aurobindo Pharma, for working ambulance providers within the state within the wake of a number of complaints towards it, officers aware of the matter stated.
An official within the state medical and well being division stated the Aurobindo Pharma group lately wrote to the state authorities agreeing to withdraw its ambulance providers on the bottom that there was inordinate delay in clearing pending payments by the federal government.
“Nonetheless, the division has already served notices to the corporate in search of rationalization on numerous irregularities together with lapses in extending providers on time to the folks and administration of ambulance providers,” the official stated, including that after the settlement is terminated, the federal government would name for contemporary tenders from reputed corporations.
The settlement with AEMS was signed by the Arogya Sri Belief of the state medical and well being division on July 1, 2020 for working ambulance providers with toll free numbers 104 and 108. It’s due for expiry in 2027.
Whereas the 108 ambulance service is supposed for extending emergency medical providers, 104 providers are operated for extending cell well being providers within the inside areas.
The AEMS had been operating 768 ambulances, together with these bought through the earlier authorities at a price of ₹450 crore. After the Telugu Desam Get together-led NDA authorities got here to energy, it ordered probe into the complaints of varied irregularities within the administration of ambulance providers by AEMS.
“The workers working for AEMS haven’t been paid salaries for a number of months. There have been additionally complaints towards the corporate in provide of medicines to the folks within the rural areas via 104 ambulance providers,” the official quoted above stated.
Throughout a debate on the price range for the well being division within the state meeting on November 17, state well being minister Y Satya Kumar Yadav stated Aurobindo, which maintained the ambulance providers, dedicated grave monetary irregularities within the identify of service.
“The earlier authorities was but to clear pending payments to the extent of ₹800 crore to Aurobindo. The current authorities will take a call on fee of dues after conducting an inquiry into the allegations towards it,” the minister stated.
HT tried to get response from Aurobindo Pharma group however couldn’t get any reply.