Established norms of national flagship programmes like NRHM and RCH have been reportedly violated to import branded 'ready to use therapeutic food' (RUTF) like multi-micronutrient sprinkles into Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, by using the money usually earmarked for purchasing medicines and without approval of the Union Health Ministry, it is learnt.

As per the information, RUTF items costing Rs 11.5 crore was imported by UNICEF India into the country between August 2008 and January 2009. The same were supplied and used in Madhya Pradesh and Bihar to treat children with severe acute malnutrition, without concurrence of the Centre. This has prompted the Union Health Ministry to take a tough stand and ordered the shipments back and issue general direction to all State authorities.

Significantly, the money usually earmarked for purchasing drugs was diverted for this purpose. Moreover, the Union Health Ministry was against such import of RTUF products. As per norms, disbursal of medicines and other health and family welfare related supplies be made under the supervision of the State health & family welfare authorities with the knowledge and concurrence of the Union health ministry.

"The whole issue was examined in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs. UNICEF has been directed to discontinue the use of RUTF and ship the stocks out of the country. UNICEF has further been asked not to act on any requests received directly by them, from State Governments," sources said.

Taking a strong view of the issue, the Centre has told that UNICEF to ship out the stocks and restore the fund to the UNICE-Government of India Country Programme. The agency has been asked to ensure that the State specific annual work plans are in accordance with the UNICEF annual work plan approved by the ministry of women and child development.

The Centre has also issued direction to the State governments not to enter into agreement with international agencies or spend earmarked budget for national health programmes without the approval of the Union Health Ministry.