Thiruvananthapuram: A Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audit has exposed an extra spending of Rs10.23 crore, raising concerns over Kerala’s procurement of personal protective equipment (PPE) kits during the COVID-19 epidemic.

According to the report, in March 2020, the Kerala Medical Services Corporation Ltd. (KMSCL) received special approval from the Kerala government to purchase PPE kits, N95 masks, and other necessary supplies.

Even though PPE kit unit rates were set at Rs545 to keep costs under control, the government purchased kits in March and April 2020 at prices up to 300% more than the unit rate. The CAG audit noted that this resulted in a considerable increase in expense.

The CAG report further said that San Pharma, which proposed to deliver PPE kits at the highest price of Rs 1,550 per unit, received undue favors since it received an advance of 100% of the purchase price.

According to the World Health Organization, the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the deadliest in human history, with over 70 lakh fatalities recorded worldwide.

According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the epidemic had a significant impact in India as well, killing about 5 lakh people.

India created and implemented a national immunization program with success.

PM Modi has praised this accomplishment on many occasions, highlighting the nation’s expanding healthcare system.

According to others, India would need years to introduce the COVID-19 vaccine. Nevertheless, we carried out the largest immunization campaign, and everyone received their shots on schedule. PM Modi said.