Kerala Health Minister Orders Vigilance Probe into KMSCL Bleaching Powder Purchase

The Kerala government has ordered a Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement of bleaching powder by the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Limited (KMSCL). Health Minister K. Muraleedharan announced the decision on Wednesday, stating that fresh evidence had emerged that cast doubt on an earlier inquiry report.

The Minister has written to the Home Department seeking a VACB investigation into the matter. He said the earlier report submitted by the Principal Secretary (Health) could no longer be accepted in light of new evidence and media reports pointing to serious anomalies in the purchase process.

The controversy relates to an open e-tender issued by KMSCL in February for the supply of bleaching powder for 2026-27 under a one-year rate contract. The procurement came under scrutiny following allegations that store-purchase rules and tender procedures were violated, leading to substantial unnecessary expenditure to the state exchequer.

On July 7, the Minister had directed the Principal Secretary (Health) to conduct an inquiry into claims that the purchase of bleaching powder between March 11 and May 6, 2026, had resulted in an avoidable expenditure of ₹7.32 crore. The inquiry was tasked with determining whether KMSCL followed prescribed procurement procedures and tender conditions, whether the material was bought at a reasonable price, and whether the purchase caused financial loss to the government.

However, after the submission of the report, media reports surfaced pointing to anomalies that contradicted the findings. The Minister has now taken the position that the report is untenable, prompting the decision to escalate the matter to the VACB.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Muraleedharan said those responsible would be identified and appropriate action taken. He also asserted that any money allegedly squandered from the public exchequer would be recovered from the individuals found culpable.

The KMSCL, a state-owned corporation responsible for procuring and distributing medicines and medical supplies to public health institutions, has been under scrutiny for multiple issues. The Minister has already ordered two separate inquiries involving the corporation. One probe concerns medicines worth approximately ₹50 crore that remained date-expired in KMSCL warehouses. Another relates to a corporate membership purchased by KMSCL at the Trivandrum Tennis Club at a cost of ₹19.13 lakh.

Bleaching powder is a key disinfectant used by health facilities for water purification and sanitation. The tender for its supply through a rate contract is a standard practice to ensure competitive pricing and quality. Allegations of procedural violations in this procurement have raised concerns about possible financial mismanagement in public purchasing.

The VACB investigation is expected to examine the role of officials involved in the bleaching powder purchase, scrutinise tender documents, and determine whether any criminal culpability exists. The probe will have statutory powers to summon records and question witnesses, making it a more rigorous review than the earlier departmental inquiry.

These developments underscore the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in public procurement. The Minister's decision to escalate the matter to the Vigilance department signals a firm stance against alleged irregularities, even as he distances himself from the previous inquiry's conclusions.

This is a developing story. Further details are awaited from official sources.