^{Image Source: The Hindu}

Bengaluru: Reiterating that there has not been any misappropriation by the Health Department in the purchase of COVID treatment equipment, Minister for Health B Sreeramulu said that even when former chief minister Siddaramaiah raised the issue earlier, he had clarified his stand on the same.

Addressing the reporters, the Minister said that now, Siddaramaiah has been saying that the department has spent Rs 750 crores, which is far from the truth.

“I have already clarified and stated that Rs 290 crores have been spent by the department. Sometimes, the cost has shot up due to the demand and shortage of supplies. But I am confident that no misappropriation has happened in my department,” Sreeramulu said, refuting the former CM’s claim that a scam worth Rs 2200 crores has occurred in the purchase of COVID treatment equipment.

The Health Minister, even on Monday, had tendered a clarification on the allegations made, but on Thursday, Siddaramaiah raked up the same issue again.