Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammad Nasim today categorically said that stern actions would be taken against those found guilty of committing irregularities in the procurement of medical equipment under the ministry as reported in a newspaper recently.

"If, necessary, ACC would investigate the matter. None would be spared, if anybody found guilty in this regard," he said while making a statement in the House under the Rule 300 of the Rules of Procedure.

The minister made the statement as treasury bench member Mainuddin Khan Badal raised the issue in the House recently citing the newspaper report.

The minister in his statement said that the ministry has introduced e-tender to procure various equipment and other necessary items for hospitals and medical colleges to avoid irregularities.

He said a procurement committee led by the state minister for health and family welfare is working to check and finalize for procurement of equipment and other necessary items.

The ministry and Directorate of Health Service procure materials and necessary equipment following the committee's instruction and demand of the hospitals, he added.

Earlier, the ministry formed a probe body to investigate irregularities in the medical equipment procurement following the newspaper report. But, it did not find any veracity of allegations.

Giving details, the minister said the present government has been providing medical services to rural people through 14, 000 community clinics. "We are providing 32 varieties of medicine to patients free of cost, he added.

Mohammad Nasim said many hospitals specially Dhaka Medical College and Hospital are now giving world-class treatment in the country.

BSS/LY