KP govt forms body to probe over Rs3bn drug purchase scandal

PESHAWAR: On the recommendations of a fact-finding inquiry report and with the approval of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief secretary, the health department has formed a two-member committee to investigate alleged irregularities, misconduct and misuse of power in the purchase of drugs and medical equipment worth Rs3 billion.

The high-level inquiry will investigate 15 officers, including the former Director General of Health and the Additional Director General of Health (Admin).

According to health department documents, the provincial government has established the committee to conduct an in-depth investigation into the non-supply of medicines and medical equipment worth billions of rupees to government hospitals.

Commissioner Mardan, Javed Marwat, a grade-21 officer, will lead the inquiry committee, with Emergency Health Department Director Dr Shiraz Qayum also serving as a member.

Also read: Health crisis grips KP as hospitals face critical medicine shortage

The documents further stated that the health department has also started disciplinary action against 15 officers, including former Director General of Health Dr Shaukat, Additional Director General (Admin) Dr Siraj, Director of Public Health Dr Irshad Roghani, the former director of admin, director of quality assurance, and the director of procurement, all related to the purchasing of medicines and medical equipment.

Meanwhile, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Adviser on Anti-Corruption, Brig (retd) Mussadiq Abbasi, said that he has also initiated an inquiry into complaints regarding the purchase of medicines, which will be completed within the next 10 days.

In response to the inquiries, Dr Shaukat Ali maintained that the medicines were purchased according to the law and have already been supplied to hospitals, with all records available.

He also said that the inquiry was in violation of the rules, as a junior officer cannot conduct an inquiry against a senior officer.

Additionally, Dr Shaukat said that the provincial adviser on anti-corruption has no authority to investigate him and that he has already approached the court to challenge the inquiry.