Three held for illicit sale of RHQ hospital medicines in Gilgit

GILGIT: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) of Gilgit has arrested three people for their involvement in the illegal sale of government-allocated medicines in the local market.

According to a statement issued by ACE, among the arrested is Nizamuddin, known locally as Chachan, who served as the store in-charge at the Regional Headquarters Hospital in Gilgit.

He was caught red-handed selling medicines designated for the poor and needy patients to local vendors, blatantly misusing his position and trust.

The statement said the ACE operation further led to the detention of Adil, the owner of Capital Medical Store, and an accomplice named Jabir, both of whom are believed to be involved in the illicit trade. This network of illegal medicine sales not only deprived vulnerable patients of essential drugs but also posed serious health risks by diverting government-supplied medications into the open market without proper oversight.

The ACE has initiated a thorough investigation to unravel this racket’s extent and identify other potential accomplices in the crime. Authorities have assured the public that they will leave no stone unturned in bringing the culprits to justice and restoring integrity to the distribution of medical supplies in the region.

Earlier on Tuesday, the ACE in Gilgit made significant strides in what is being termed “one of the largest corruption crackdowns in the history of the region” by arresting a hospital employee and a contractor.

ACE arrests two in hospital corruption case in Gilgit

According to a statement issued by the ACE, these arrests result from investigations into allegations that substantial funds designated for the procurement of medicines for needy patients at City Hospital were misappropriated during the fiscal year 2020/21. The former medical superintendent (MS) of the hospital, allegedly at the centre of this corruption web, has reportedly gone into hiding in an attempt to evade arrest.

Sources close to the investigation have informed that the ACE, acting on detailed complaints, has conducted thorough investigations to identify those responsible for the mismanagement of funds. The department is currently conducting raids to apprehend more individuals implicated in the case, signalling a broad and determined effort to root out corruption in the healthcare system.