Massive corruption unearthed in hospital revamp project

Monetary corruption and blatant violations of bylaws have come to light within the Buildings Department during the revamping project at Bahawal Victoria Hospital (BVH).

Divisional Accounts Officer Hafiz Riaz Ahmed allegedly approved payments exceeding Rs100 million to a contractor without proper authorisation.

The revelations emerged during the 45th meeting of the Development Board, chaired by the Chairman of the Planning and Development Board Punjab. According to reliable sources, payments amounting to Rs116 million were made without securing approval for estimates or rate revisions from the competent authorities.

The equipment installed in the operation theatres, including sliding doors, operation theatre lights, and HD lights, was not part of the contractor's original agreement with the Buildings Department. Moreover, no technical sanction for the project was issued by the Chief Engineer Buildings South Punjab.

The chairman issued a letter to the Secretary Finance Punjab and Secretary Communication and Works, calling for immediate action under the PEDA Act.

The letter highlighted severe departmental irregularities by Divisional Accounts Officer Hafiz Riaz, Executive Engineer Chaudhry Ijaz Ahmed, Sub-Divisional Officer Noman Mustafa, and a Sub-Engineer.

These officials allegedly facilitated financial benefits for the contractor by approving unauthorised payments, bypassing proper procedures.

The letter recommended the immediate suspension of the implicated officials and called for disciplinary action.

On the other hand, Imran Nazir, Axion Buildings Division One, defended the expedited work. Speaking at the meeting, he emphasised that delays in document approval would have prolonged the project by an additional three to four months.

Nazir claimed that prioritizing public needs ensured the timely completion of the operation theatres, which are now fully functional and alleviating patient difficulties.