Article Today, Hyderabad:
The Congress has renewed its criticism of former Health Minister T. Harish Rao, alleging large-scale corruption in the supply of remdesivir injections during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The party accused the previous government of turning the health sector into a system of commissions and irregular practices. Through social media campaigns, Congress leaders have highlighted what they describe as serious lapses in transparency and accountability.
Irregularities in Drug Supply
Remdesivir injections were in acute shortage during the pandemic. Reports indicate that the injections, critical for treatment, were sold in the black market at prices ranging between Rs. 1 lakh and Rs. 1.5 lakh. According to Congress, a senior health official played a central role in distributing supplies to hospitals while collecting heavy commissions. Despite hospitals charging patients exorbitant fees, authorities are said to have limited their response to issuing notices without taking punitive action. Allegations further suggest that one prominent hospital faced official scrutiny, but no concrete steps were taken against it due to financial dealings with the official in question.
Influence Over Hospitals
During the pandemic, the accused official reportedly exercised extraordinary control over both government and private hospitals. With the backing of the then government, his authority extended to vaccine distribution, drug allocation, and hospital management. Private hospital administrations were allegedly compelled to follow his directions. Critics state that even when hospitals imposed excessive charges on patients, actions remained limited to notices, while the official continued to extract payments from several institutions. There are also claims that hospital licences were threatened with cancellation to secure money.
Accumulation of Wealth
Congress leaders allege that the official amassed vast wealth during the pandemic through these practices. Reports suggest he purchased multiple apartments to store currency and expanded his lifestyle beyond the means of a salaried officer. Unverified accounts claim that he invested in a private hospital abroad and frequently travelled overseas, living a lifestyle uncommon even among senior civil servants. His rapid financial rise is attributed to earnings from remdesivir sales, vaccine allocations, and hospital collections.
Congress Seeks Accountability
Party leaders have demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations. They argue that despite repeated complaints, no firm action was taken against the official. According to the Congress, the failure to initiate proceedings points to a deeper nexus between authorities and private healthcare management during the Covid crisis. The party has indicated that it will continue to use these issues as a major campaign plank, calling for accountability and transparency in the state’s health administration.
