Action ordered against DHA officials for illegal inductions

A scandal pertaining to the recruitment of candidates, belonging to the Bhakkar and Sargodha districts, for the positions of peon and watchman in the Rawalpindi District Health Authority (DHA) by violating the merit and other rules and regulations, has surfaced.

Following the disclosure of the scandal, an inquiry committee, while confirming the allegations, recommended action against former District Health Officer Dr Sarfraz Khan, Convenor of the Recruitment Committee, under The Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability Act 2006 and transfer of District Health Officer Medical Services Dr Ahsan Ghani as well as Superintendent Irshad Mahmood from the District Health Authority.

The probe panel has issued instructions to ensure the recruitment of candidates who are neglected/ rejected despite fulfilling the criteria. According to sources, the DHA formed a selection committee consisting of members Dr Ehsan Ghani, District Health Officer Medical Services, and Superintendent Irshad Mahmood under the leadership of Dr Sarfraz Khan, District Health Officer for the induction of suitable candidates for 90 vacant posts under class IV.

The committee violated the rules and regulations in the recruitment process and ignored those who secured 85 and 90 marks in the interview by recruiting those who secured only 10-15 per cent marks. The committee recruited only two women against four vacant peon positions in violation of the rules. Instead of recruiting Misbah Zaheer, who was qualified for the post of peon, an unqualified candidate was recruited in her place.