Fresh probe ordered into ‘corruption’ involving DHA officials

Secretary skips prosecution after allegations of corruption of Rs66.2m proven against seven officials

RAWALPINDI:

In a surprise move, the Secretary of the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department instead of prosecuting seven officials, including a female district health officer medical services, for alleged corruption of Rs66.2 million in local purchases after allegations were proved against them by an inquiry committee, has ordered a newly formed inquiry committee to conduct a fresh probe and submit its report within 14 days.

Sources said the allegations of corruption and corrupt practices were levelled against former DHO medical services Dr Hooriya Mohsin, four accountants including Tariq Niazi, Sufi Mehrban Khan, Ashiq Hussain and Khalid Satti and three storekeepers, including Umar, Naeem and Waqar in local procurement of medicine, surgical instruments and general items across three fiscal years i.e. from 2019 to 2022 in violation of the rules and regulations.

Following the allegations, the health department got an inquiry conducted in which it was confirmed that the suspects caused a loss of Rs66.2 million to the national exchequer by making frivolous purchases at higher rates.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th, 2023.