Malpractices uncovered in veterinary hospitals across state in 'Operation vet scan'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a recent raid named 'Operation Vet Scan', authorities conducted a comprehensive investigation across 56 veterinary hospitals in the state uncovering a series of malpractices. The investigation exposed numerous discrepancies, including missing medicines as per stock records, expired drugs and unauthorized procurement and sale of medications through the hospitals' channels.

Key findings of the operation

- Kannur Alakkode Hospital sourced medicines externally from a farmer, contrary to the stock register.

- Palakkad Kozhinjampara sold unregistered medicines obtained at higher prices from external sources.

- Vakkam Veterinary Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram purchased medicines not provided by the government.

- Kozhikode Koduvalli dispensed 65 types of unrecorded medicines.

- Malappuram Muthuvallur indicated purchases from a private pharmacy in the stock register.

- North Paravur stored medicines from Neethi Store without proper documentation.

- Several hospitals stored medicines, including in doctors' rooms, without recording them in the stock register.

Further discrepancies were found in record-keeping with the post-mortem register at Kottayam attic lacking information beyond October 1999 and discrepancies between the Vaccination Register and Vaccination Stock Register in Kottayam Kanakkari.

Financial irregularities were also discovered including unaccounted amounts of Rs 8,280 from an attendant at Kozhinjampara, Rs 19,271 from five officials at Mamangalam, and Rs 7,871 from an employee of Kollam District Veterinary Centre. Anchal Veterinary Hospital was found to delay fee payments to the treasury, while Nooranad Animal Hospital processed payments once a month.

In addition, personnel at Kozhinjampara Animal Hospital engaged in the unauthorized procurement of drugs from private medical stores selling them at inflated prices through transactions facilitated by Google Pay.

The operation was conducted under the directives of Director TK Vinod Kumar, with various vigilance units participating in the raid.