Bhubaneswar: Odisha Youth Congress on Thursday alleged corruption and deliberate delays in tender processes at Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited (OSMCL), which functions under health and family welfare department. However, OSMCL managing director Smita Pani said they follow all rules, regulations and guidelines while carrying out the tender works.Odisha Youth Congress president Ranjit Patra alleged that two OSMCL officials were delaying govt procedures and tenders by repeatedly citing incompatibility in technical specifications. He claimed the specifications were being changed to force participating companies into informal negotiations, and that tenders were eventually awarded to firms that had “understandings” with the officials.Patra said technical specifications were repeatedly altered until companies agreed to negotiate. He also alleged that members of technical committees were pressured to approve changes by being told that the decisions had govt approval.The Youth Congress said its work with blood banks across Odisha, including facilitation of donation camps, revealed shortages of critical equipment such as storage refrigerators, minus 80°C and minus 40°C freezers, centrifuges and other infrastructure. It claimed OSMCL had initiated tender processes for such equipment in 2023, but these had not been finalised due to the personal interests of the two officials.The organisation also alleged irregularities in a tender for furniture and accessories. It claimed substandard furniture, already rusting and in poor condition, had been supplied to govt medical colleges, including Puri Medical College.Patra further alleged that the officials were delaying compliance with high court directions related to schemes and procurement of equipment, affecting essential healthcare services.The Youth Congress demanded early completion of pending tenders, a thorough investigation into the allegations, scrutiny of the officials’ assets and action within a month. It warned that if action was not taken, it would stage protests in front of the health minister’s residence.
