THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: PC Vishnunadhalleged that a massive scam had taken place in the state under the cover of the fight against Covid. Vishnunadhdemanded a detailed inquiry into the issue instead of a financial audit.

Vishnunadh alleged that there was corruption in the purchase of the PPE kits and infrared thermometers, contrary to the store purchase manual and that Health Minister Veena George had not responded on the matter. Vishnunadh made the allegation while the Opposition raised the issues with the purchases made by Kerala Medical Service Corporation Limited (KMSCL) in the Assembly.

"In January 2020, KMSCL had begun the procedures to purchase PPE kits from a company named Keron for Rs 325 per kit. However, by March 2020, the price of PPE kits rose to Rs 525 per kit. Soon, it was decided that Keron would provide kits for Rs 500 per kit. KMSCL then issued an order to San Pharma to supply kits for Rs 1500 per kit. Order for Rs 5 crore was given to a company owned by the father of a health department official. This company operates inside a shed. The order for PPE kits was given to companies that had no previous experience in the health sector. These companies were just three and four months old when they received the order," Vishnunadh said.

He also said that infrared thermometer, priced at Rs 1500 in the market, was purchased for Rs 5390. Vishnunadh said that this looting took place at a time when people were in a state of panic during Covid and that it was not just confined at the official level.