NewKerala.com

Key Points

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has made serious allegations against the Kerala government regarding a major ambulance contract. He claims EMRI Green Health Services was awarded the deal despite being blacklisted in Karnataka and terminated in Meghalaya. Chennithala alleges the company concealed these facts while bidding for Kerala's Rs 517 crore ambulance service tender. He demands an inquiry into Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's role in allegedly shielding the firm.

Key Points: Ramesh Chennithala Alleges Kerala Govt 517 Crore Ambulance Scam

  • EMRI was debarred in Karnataka for two years over forged tender documents
  • Meghalaya terminated its contract in 2022 citing service disruptions
  • Kerala govt extended contract by 18 months instead of fresh tenders
  • New bid of Rs 293 crore proves previous Rs 517 crore deal was inflated
2 min read

Congress leader claims irregularities in Rs 517-crore ambulance contract by Kerala govt

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala accuses Pinarayi Vijayan govt of Rs 517 crore ambulance contract scam with EMRI, citing firm's debarment in Karnataka.

"The government’s failure to disqualify EMRI, despite glaring violations, is a continuation of the ‘gratitude’ for the Rs 250 crore commission - Ramesh Chennithala"

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 29

Senior Congress leader and CWC member Ramesh Chennithala on Friday levelled serious allegations against the Pinarayi Vijayan government over the award and extension of the Kaniv 108 Ambulance Service contract to GVK EMRI (now EMRI Green Health Services).

He alleged that despite being debarred in Karnataka and terminated in Meghalaya for irregularities, the company was allowed to participate in Kerala’s tender process without scrutiny of records.

According to documents released by Chennithala, Karnataka barred the company from bidding for two years (from November 21, 2023, to November 21, 2025) after it submitted forged records for an ambulance service tender.

Similarly, the Meghalaya government terminated its contract in August 2022, citing repeated service disruptions.

He also claimed a similar termination occurred in Rajasthan in 2010.

Chennithala said the company concealed these punitive actions and falsely declared that no legal or contractual restrictions existed against it while submitting its affidavit for Kerala’s tender on February 24.

He added that the Medical Services Corporation received complaints highlighting these violations, but no action was taken.

“The government’s failure to disqualify EMRI, despite glaring violations, is a continuation of the ‘gratitude’ for the Rs 250 crore commission allegedly received in 2019 when the first mega contract worth Rs 517 crore was cleared with special Cabinet sanction,” Chennithala alleged.

The initial five-year contract ended in March 2024, but instead of inviting fresh tenders, the government extended it by 18 months, allegedly involving fresh commissions.

Following pressure from trade unions, a new tender was finally called. Four companies participated, and one was disqualified.

Global consultancy Grand Thornton vetted the documents. Chennithala claimed that had the scrutiny been thorough, EMRI’s bid should have been rejected at the technical stage itself.

He further pointed out that EMRI, which earlier operated 316 ambulances under a Rs 517 crore contract, has now quoted just Rs 293 crore for running 335 ambulances.

“This proves the earlier deal was inflated to facilitate massive kickbacks,” he charged.

Chennithala demanded a detailed inquiry into the role of the Chief Minister, the former Health Minister, and the Medical Services Corporation in shielding the company.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Ambulance services are critical for public health. If there are genuine irregularities, it's the common people who will suffer. Hope there's a proper investigation soon.
R
Rohit P
The price difference is telling - from 517 crore to 293 crore for more ambulances? This clearly shows something was wrong with the first contract. Taxpayers' money is being misused.
M
Michael C
While the allegations are serious, we should also consider that opposition parties often make such claims during contract renewals. Let's wait for the government's response before jumping to conclusions.
A
Ananya R
This is why we need stronger transparency laws in government tenders. Companies with questionable records shouldn't even be allowed to participate. The system needs fixing!
K
Kavya N
My uncle needed an ambulance last month and it took over an hour to arrive. If the service provider has such a bad track record, no wonder there are delays. Very concerning! 🚑
V
Vikram M
The fact that they submitted forged documents and still got the contract extension shows how deep the corruption runs. This government needs to be held accountable.

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