In just six days, 17 tenders at Geta Hospital reveal the blatant display of corruption and collusion

Nepal Health News, Dhangadhi — Kailali: A major irregularity has been exposed in the name of equipment procurement at Geta Hospital, which has already been completed at a cost of NPR 7 billion. Although the infrastructure is ready, more attention has been given to equipment procurement rather than the operation of the hospital, the establishment of the medical college, or the university.

17 tenders within a week after new director's arrival
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Yadav, who was transferred from Bir Hospital, Kathmandu, arrived at Geta Hospital on Chaitra 14 (March/April). Within just a week, he announced 17 tenders for the procurement of medical equipment. Many of these tenders are alleged to be in violation of the Public Procurement Act and the Anti-Corruption Act.

Tender packaging favoring a single supplier
In several tenders, specifications were prepared by naming specific models of particular companies. For example, the tender for a medical gas pipeline specifically required the MC-80 Duplex model of GCE Medical. Similarly, the specifications for a cervical cancer screening machine were designed to match the products of a particular company.

In the ICU equipment tender, an expensive package including an “Automatic Tracheal Secretion Removal Device” and other costly items was created in such a way that only M Care Technology would benefit.

Suspicion of collusion in specification preparation
Bypassing Harendra Chataut, the biomedical engineer stationed at Geta Hospital, another engineer from Kathmandu was brought in to prepare the tender specifications. Interestingly, the tenders appear to have been prepared even before the official transfer date of Dr. Yadav. Questions have been raised about the feasibility of preparing specifications for 13 tenders within just five days.

Violation of legal provisions
According to Section 3(a) of the Public Procurement Act, unrelated items cannot be bundled into a single tender package. However, most of the tenders at Geta Hospital have such irregular packaging. Under the Anti-Corruption Act, structuring tenders in a way that limits competition is a criminal offense, punishable by up to three years in prison.

Director’s response
Director Dr. Yadav claims that all procedures were followed in accordance with the law. “I assigned the task to a new engineer because I wasn’t satisfied with the original specifications. A pre-bid meeting was also conducted as per the process,” he stated.

Grand infrastructure, unclear operational plan
The government has invested more than NPR 6.68 billion in the Geta Hospital structure. The project includes a 600-bed hospital building, medical college, administrative buildings, staff housing, oxygen plant, mortuary, and other infrastructure. However, only a temporary 50-bed hospital is currently in operation, and even its temporary staffing arrangements have not been renewed.

Locals demand priority for hospital operations
Dr. Shubhesraj Kayastha, former chief of Seti Provincial Hospital, said, “It’s not just about equipment. Attention should also be given to human resources, permanent staffing, and implementation. This is a dream for Sudurpaschim, and it should move forward according to a proper plan.