Rs 1.91b corruption inquiry launched in KP health department

PESHAWAR: Allegations of corruption amounting to Rs 1.91 billion in the procurement of medicines have prompted an inquiry within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department.

The Anti-Corruption Department has initiated the investigation by sending a questionnaire to the former Caretaker Health Minister and the Director General (DG) of Health, seeking written responses to 37 questions within five days, according to official documents.

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Former DG Health Dr Shaukat Ali, has already responded, stating that all purchases, including medicines and equipment for hospitals, were conducted according to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Revenue Authority (KPRA) rules.

He also confirmed that advertisements were published in newspapers prior to procurement, and purchase orders worth over Rs 4 billion were awarded to various drug supply companies.

Documents reveal that the Finance Department disbursed Rs 2.9 billion in installments for essential supplies. However, unnecessary items such as gowns, drape sheets, and gloves, totalling Rs 1.91 billion, were allegedly purchased in violation of policy.

Records also indicate that only Rs 800 million worth of stock was supplied to the central warehouse, while more than Rs 3.17 billion was paid to firms.

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Further reports suggest that inspection bills were cleared without confirming the stock’s position.

HUM News has not received the provincial government’s stance on the issue until the filing of this story.