Cancer drugs worth Rs360m stolen from Civil Hospital

Cancer drugs worth Rs360 million have been reportedly stolen from the Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK).

In this regard the Eidgah police, on the complaint of Medical Superintendent (MS), Syed Muhammad Khalid registered a theft case on June 20, 2024 against two grade 16 employees of the health department.

It has been mentioned in the case that two health department employees, have conspired to sell 76,000 tablets, used for cancer treatment. The two officials, Niaz Ahmed Khaskheli and Iqbal Ahmed Chana and other staff are involved in stealing medicines.

The MS informed the police that the cancer medicine, stolen in a period from February 17 to September 29, 2023, included 76,000 tablets of Elbonix 50mg and Palbonix 125mg, the value of which is Rs360 million.

After a case was registered, the police conducted raids to arrest both the health department employees and others involved in the alleged theft but no arrest could have been made so far.

An investigation was carried out on June 14, 2024 by the health department against both the alleged accused. A letter has also been written to the MS in which it has been stated that Niaz Ahmad Khaskheli, in-charge of the CHK dispensary's control room for evening shift and Iqbal Chana, staff nurse, and other staff are allegedly involved in the theft of cancer drugs.

The health department has dismissed Iqbal Chana and Niaz Khaskheli from their positions on June 14, 2024.