Suspecting possible misappropriation, the anti-graft body directed the government authorities not to release any amount as sought by Health Minister Umakanta Chaudhary who had submitted a proposal to the cabinet, seeking release of nearly Rs 100 million under financial assistance heading. [break]
In two letters sent to Chief Secretary Madhav Ghimire and Finance Secretary Rameshwore Khanal, the CIAA directed the government officials not to dole out financial assistance under the minister´s direct proposal.
The CIAA also directed the authorities to immediately develop policy directive and clarify provisions on financial assistance for medical treatment.
The anti-graft body also drew attention of senior government officials not to dole out any assistance for medical treatment costs without introducing and approving such directive.
"The policy directive should be introduced with the provisions that make mandatory to pay treatment costs directly to the government hospitals but not to the individuals which is the practice so far," reads the CIAA directive.
The CIAA directed Ghimire to play crucial role to immediately initiate process for introducing policy directive to make the financial assistance transparent and effective. It directed Khanal to release the amounts under such headings only after the policy directive is approved.
CIAA spokesperson Ishwari Poudel said they directed the authorities to make clear provisions in the directive on the kind of diseases for which financial assistance can be provided.
"No minister get such amounts released through his direct orders," he added. He said the CIAA intervened as minister Chaudhary wanted the amounts released through his direct proposal.
According to a source, Chaudhary had submitted a direct proposal to the cabinet seeking immediate release of the amount in financial assistance for his near and dear ones.
Chaudhary could not be contacted for comments. The Health Ministry is mandated to recommend names for financial assistance for treatment of serious diseases. Those suffering from serious diseases like cancer and renal failure are entitled to get financial assistance from the state coffers.
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