Another body formed to probe corruption charges against DHA officials

Notification issued on day of last proceeding of second inquiry committee

RAWALPINDI:

An influential female officer and eight officials of the District Health Authority, involved in causing a loss of over Rs60.

62 million to the public treasury in the local purchase, while violating all the rules and regulations got a third inquiry committee established under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, 2006 after charges against them were proved in the first inquiry and the recommendation for recovery was issued.

 The notification of the constitution of the third inquiry body was issued on the day of the last proceeding of the second inquiry panel on May 8.

 According to sources, a reference was sent by the DHA CEO to the health secretary regarding corruption in the procurement of goods through local purchases during the three financial years of 2019-21.

 Following the reference, an inquiry panel was set up on the orders of the health secretary which included convener Dr Asadur Rahman, Director of Health Services Rawalpindi Division, and members Dr Saadat Ali Khan, MS Wah General Hospital and Muhammad Aqib Jan, Finance Manager, DG Health Services Punjab.

 In its report, the committee held Dr Houria Mohsin, ex-district health officer medical services, Tariq Mehmood Niazi, ex-assistant accountant, Muhammad Khalid, ex-assistant accountant, Raja Ashiq Iqbal, ex-junior clerk, Muhammad Riaz Ahmed, Assistant Accountant, Wasim Baig, Medical Technician, Siyab, Dispenser Storekeeper, Naeem Akhtar, Storekeeper, Umar Hayat, Storekeeper, responsible for corruption and corrupt practices and recommended an inquiry against them under the PEEDA Act with the recovery of Rs60.62 million.

 However, before the implementation of the inquiry report, a second inquiry panel was established by the health secretary on April 14, 2023, to conduct a fresh inquiry into the matter.