Row over tenders called for state's health scheme

The Health and Family Welfare Department has invited tenders for registration of beneficiaries under Universal Health Scheme.

The department's decision of inviting tenders has run into a controversy with heads of over 30 firms who were not invited for the pre-tender meeting, approaching the department higher-ups expressing displeasure.

The department contacted 12 firms online and invited them for a pre-tender meeting. Heads of over 30 firms have complained of discrimination by the department higher-ups.

The Universal Health Scheme for all citizens of the state will come into effect from November 1. All eight health schemes will be merged under Universal Health Scheme, while about 1.40 lakh families (about 6.72 crore people) will benefit from the scheme.

Firms bagging the contract will visit every house and obtain details of members. The government spends Rs 70 for issuing cards, while a beneficiary should pay Rs 30.

"It's a good move, but we are opposed to the way in which it is being implemented," said an expert on condition of anonymity.

"There was no need for inviting tenders as over 94% people in the state have Aadhaar cards. The details are available with the Food and Civil Supplies Department. The department should have used these details to send cards by post. The whole process needs just Rs 10 per person. The same method has been used in Uttar Pradesh," he said.

Shalini Rajneesh, Principal Secretary to Government Health & Family Welfare Department, was not available for a comment.