The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr.N.Kiran Kumar Reddy, is likely to finalise a decision on the issue of continuation of the GVK Group, the private partner engaged in implementing the 108 ambulance service through Emergency Management Research Institute (EMRI).
Following a review meeting the Chief Minister had with officials of the Health Ministry, it was decided to take appropriate decision, which could either mean continuation of GVK to manage the project or invite fresh tenders to select another private company for its management.
The EMRI was started by the scam-hit chairman and founder of Satyam Computer Services Ltd., Mr.B. Ramalinga Raju. However, its management was handed over to the GVK group during late chief minister, Dr. Y.S.Rajasekhara Reddy’s tenure.
The State Health Minister, Mr. D.L.Ravindra Reddy, said that an appropriate decision will be taken on the management of these emergency services as employees of EMRI are not being provided salaries regularly and the scheme implementation has been affected.
He said that there were complaints about inadequate supply of fuel to run the services, which are very crucial in providing emergency care. The EMRI has a fleet of over 750 vehicles. Of this, 160 vehicles are stated to be in poor condition requiring replacement.
Referring to another issue, Dr Ravindra Reddy said that Mr. B. Ramalinga Raju had taken a loan of Rs. 42 crore from Axis Bank by pledging the land located at Devarayamjal in Ranga Reddy district of the State. The 108 call centre is located in this land. As it transpires, the land purchased by Mr.Raju then actually belonged to the State Endowments Department. The Rs. 9 crore, which the Government releases is going to service this debt and the services are affected due to funds.
No comments:
Post a Comment