Alleged corruption at Polyclinic: Chief justice seeks comments from CADD secretary

Order comes on an application alleging misappropriation in medical supplies


Hasnaat Malik July 02, 2016
Dr Naru rejected the allegation and claimed that Dr Lodhi never worked at the hospital and has raised untenable accusations. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Anwar Zaheer Jamali has sought comments within two weeks from the CADD secretary over alleged corruption and misappropriation in supply of medicines and oxygen gas kits to Polyclinic.

The judge issued the orders on an application filed by Dr Umar Lodhi in the Supreme Court Human Rights Cell, pleading that Polyclinic Executive Director Dr Iftikhar Ahmed Naru and his wife were partners in a company called Crescent Traders — an equipment supplier that the hospital has been using for the last five years. According to the applicant, the hospital management was also involved in the alleged misappropriation of medicines and oxygen gas kits.

The applicant contended that Dr Naru is a government servant and is doing business with the hospital by illegally awarding supply contracts to his own company.

The junior doctor has expressed apprehension that he may have to face adverse consequences for approaching the court, but he had complete faith in the judiciary and that his efforts may help put an end to the alleged malpractice at the hospital.

The application has contended that the firm is also contracted to repair and maintain cooling equipment in the hospital.

The application had requested the chief justice to order holding an inquiry into the issue and audit medicinal supply procurement for the last five years.

Dr Naru rejected the allegation and claimed that Dr Lodhi never worked at the hospital and has raised untenable accusations.

He said that the health ministry had already formed a special committee to probe the case and his statement has already been recorded. He said that the committee’s report had been sent to the health ministry.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3rd, 2016.

COMMENTS (1)

syed & syed | 7 years ago | Reply Let Dr Naru clarify his position in the court and desist issuing press statements.He should explain action taken against duty doctor who misbehaved with patient and broke finger of the attendant of the patient
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