Health authority audit reveals financial irregularities

A comprehensive audit by the Directorate Local Fund Audit Punjab has revealed financial irregularities amounting to Rs268.87 million within the District Health Authority Rawalpindi for the fiscal year 2023-24.

The audit report includes 23 key findings, referred to as audit paras, which point to various financial mismanagements and irregular practices.

Among the major issues identified, the audit highlights unauthorised purchases, misappropriation of funds, and improper procurement processes. Notably, Rs54.4 million was released for hospital establishment costs but was misused, and machinery worth Rs27.9 million was purchased without proper authorisation.

Other significant findings include the illegal purchase of equipment, overpayment for supplies, and unaccounted for allowances and payments to officers.

The audit team has recommended a series of actions, including conducting inquiries into the irregularities, recovering misappropriated funds, and holding those responsible accountable. Specific recommendations include identifying the officials behind unauthorised payments, recovering unpaid taxes, and ensuring that all procurement processes adhere to proper guidelines.

The District Health Authority has been given a deadline to respond to the findings, and unresolved issues will be forwarded to the Punjab Public Accounts Committee for further action.

Key findings also include: Rs. 87.9 million paid against rules in the previous financial year, which should be regularised. Procurement of drugs worth Rs23.1 million from companies under poor pre-qualification. Unauthorised payments of Rs1.98 million made for Health Risk Allowances and irregular payments for goods and services totalling millions.

The District Health Authority has been urged to take corrective actions, and if no resolution is reached, the matter will be escalated for further investigation.