Article Today, Hyderabad:
Serious corruption allegations are now circling around Dr. Gadala Srinivasa Rao, the former Director of Public Health in Telangana. Reports suggest that he amassed crores of rupees illegally, especially during the critical COVID-19 period and even before that. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has reportedly taken up a full-fledged investigation based on credible complaints and new information provided by government employees. It is also being said that Dr. Rao opted for voluntary retirement in an attempt to escape scrutiny.
Misuse of COVID Funds Under Scanner…
During the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, Dr. Srinivasa Rao allegedly misused public funds meant for pandemic management. It is reported that he purchased unnecessary items without following financial protocols. Moreover, he arranged for mobile vaccination services to private corporate employees in the Cyberabad area without official permission and collected large sums from these companies. There are also allegations that he allocated Rs. 10 lakhs for a personal event held by the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) of Bhadradri Kothagudem under the pretext of a departmental get-together.
Printing Funds Scam…
As Chief Program Officer during 2015–16, 2016–17, and 2018, Dr. Rao allegedly misused Rs. 20.46 lakhs meant for printing, information dissemination, and educational campaigns. Despite the printing value exceeding Rs. 5 lakhs, he did not call for tenders and instead gave contracts to local printers on a nomination basis. The prices paid were reportedly 200–300% higher than standard rates. Based on a complaint by an individual named Srinivas, the Vigilance and Enforcement Directorate investigated the matter and confirmed the charges in a report dated February 2, 2019. However, despite this confirmation, he allegedly avoided action with support from the then Health Commissioner, who claimed there was no financial loss to the government.
“The Post was allotted to ‘Gadala’ even though there were no posts.”
Even after the Director of Health (DH) post was not officially sanctioned for Telangana, Dr. Rao continued to serve in that position. Though all HOD (Head of Department) posts were allotted to Andhra Pradesh post-bifurcation, he reportedly continued in charge in Telangana without official approval. The file requesting sanction of these posts remained pending with the then Health Minister for more than two years. Allegations suggest that the Minister extended full support to Dr. Rao.
Ignored Corruption of Deputies…
Despite possessing audio evidence against two Deputy Directors (Admin) involved in corrupt practices, Dr. Rao allegedly failed to take any disciplinary action. This has raised questions about his integrity and his efforts to shield wrongdoers. Furthermore, he is accused of issuing unauthorized deputations and work orders to doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff, violating existing rules and demonstrating a lack of transparency in administration.
Vigilance Reports Overlooked…
Although a Vigilance and Enforcement report dated February 2, 2019, confirmed the corruption charges against Dr. Rao, the then Chief Secretary of the state government reportedly did not initiate any follow-up investigation or action. Critics argue this inaction may have helped shield Dr. Rao from punishment and created an environment that encouraged corruption in the public health department.
Whistleblower Speaks Out…
S.K. Prasanna, President of the Telangana Medical Health Family Welfare ESI (IMS) Women Employees Central Association, stated that she provided relevant information to both the Vigilance Department and ACB. She claimed to have submitted substantial evidence showing Dr. Rao’s involvement in large-scale irregularities.
She also personally visited Delhi to meet central government officials, informing them of how National Health Mission funds were allegedly misappropriated by Dr. Rao. She insists that all the information she provided is official and demands a thorough investigation and strict action against Dr. Rao.
Many private corporate hospitals that engaged in illegal activities during the Corona pandemic were served notices, and action was taken against some of them. Crores of rupees were recovered from some of the other hospitals. A special story…..
Continues Tomorrow..
