Rapid test kits imported from China were also heavily profited during the epidemic. The kit was imported for 245 rupees and supplied for 600 rupees. That is, 145 percent profit was made. This disclosure came when the dispute between the importer-distributor reached the Delhi High Court. After the matter was exposed, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Luv Aggarwal said that strict action will be taken against the profiteers.
On the other hand, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has clarified that the kits were purchased as part of the tender process. There is no loss to the government in this because India has not paid a full payment in advance payment to these companies. It is clearly written in the tender that if any disturbance is found, the kits will be returned. Also, the payment will not be made. Apart from this, the ICMR in the order issued on Monday, stating the difference in the results of the kits, has asked the states to return them and rely on RT PCR.
Actually, on April 16, 5.5 lakh kits arrived from China through Matrix Labs, an importing company. When these were banned in the country, distributor Rare Metabolics gave a petition against the importer Matrix Labs. There was a dispute that the importer was not sending the remaining 2.24 lakh kits to ICMR. The importer said, out of 21 crores, he has just paid only 12.75 crores. Whereas according to the agreement, the importer has to pay the remaining amount of Rs 8.25 crore.
No promise about logistics
ICMR said the quotation was free on board, with no promise on logistics. This quotation was based on a 100% advance payment without any guarantee. There were no promises on the kit supply deadline. Kit prices were stated in US dollars for price fluctuations.
'Limit is ... profiteering even in disaster'
As soon as the case of breakup in the rate of Chinese kits in the Delhi High Court, the opposition became an attacker on the government. Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi accused profiteering in the supply of kits and demanded strict action against the culprits from the Prime Minister.
Rahul said, the extent is the country is fighting national disaster, even then some people are not missing out on profiteering. Shame, disgust at this corrupt mentality. We demand from the Prime Minister that strict action should be taken against these profiteers. The country will never forgive them.
Ahmed Patel also raised questions on the high price
Congress leader Ahmed Patel also questioned the high cost of test kits. Patel tweeted, Delhi High Court had also questioned why import kit is being purchased for Rs 600 at Rs 245 per unit. No one should earn profit at the cost of the poor.
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