KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population Bhanubhakta Dhakal has said that he was not involved in the irregularities in the procurement of health supplies.

Minister Dhakal made such a claim speaking at the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives on Friday.

Replying to a question raised by the lawmakers at the meeting, Minister Dhakal reiterated that he was not involved in any irregularities but took the initiative to expedite the procurement process

He said that he has taken an initiative to speed up works considering the adverse situation.

Minister Dhakal said that the initiative had been to work in a short time as the Cabinet had made different policy arrangements for public procurement in special circumstances.

He also mentioned that the long process of bringing health supplies to Nepal has been shortened as there was a shortage of health supplies not only in Nepal but also abroad.

“There was a situation where the powerful countries were flexing their muscles for medical supplies. The health workers had pointed out that it is not possible to work without PPE,” he said, “In such a situation, I had taken initiative to implement the policy decision taken by the Council of Ministers. But, I have not been involved in financial irregularities.”

The committee is investigating irregularities in the procurement of health supplies and had summoned Minister Dhakal for a discussion on the issue.

Despite the decision to summon the Minister four months ago, Minister Dhakal had not agreed to attend the meeting.

The House Panel has started an investigation into the irregularities in the procurement of health supplies from China for the treatment of those infected with the coronavirus.

The government had assigned Omni Business Group of Companies to procure health supplies.