Molnupiravir inquiry triggers premature retirements and suspensions

Major developments are happening at the Ministry of Health in the wake of the controversy surrounding the purchase of 999,000 tablets of Molnupiravir at a cost of Rs 79,840,080, from CPN Distributors Ltd.

Dalida Allagapen, Senior Chief Executive (SCE) of the Ministry of Health, has reportedly asserted her rights to early retirement.

The latter was expected to retire next June when she turns 65, but will now leave at the end of this year, Defi Media reported.

Harry Krishna Bucktowar, Chief Pharmacist at the Ministry of Health, could follow suit, the newspaper said.

Two other senior officials, namely Parmanand Mawah, Permanent Secretary, and Brijendrasing Naeck, Principal Pharmacist, have been suspended from their duties in connection with the investigation into the purchase of Molnupiravir tablets.

Defi Media reported that other officials at the ministry could face similar sanctions.

Meanwhile, local media reported that several senior government officials have also received the immediate transfer letters from the Head of the Civil Service, operating the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The controversial purchase is being investigated by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).