Action taken over use of expired stents in 2021-22: minister

Provincial Specialised Healthcare Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that departmental action has been taken against all those responsible for the use of expired stents in the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) during 2021-22 as pointed out in a recent report of the auditor general.

He said the treatment of each patient at the institute is monitored by the chairman of the board of management, executive director and medical superintendent. They minister stated that the patients area using the treatment facilities with full trust as guaranteed stents are used in the PIC.

According to sources, corruption of around Rs260 million was also exposed in the report that stated that the hospital administration had used completed expired and substandard stents during heart surgeries and had avoided submitting a reply about the matter.

The sources said corruption in the purchase of surgical instruments and medicines had also been pointed out.

A large number of heart patients from across Punjab and other provinces seek treatment in the PIC because of the best available facilities.

"According to the auditor general's report, 22 patients were affected by the use of expired stents in 2021 and 2022," an official of the PIC said.

He said some officials suspected of being involved in corruption had retired, were some were still serving in the health department. The auditor general had sought a reply about the alleged corruption and mismanagement but it was not submitted. Corruption was allegedly done in the main store of the PIC during the purchase of surgical instruments and medicines, while tampered bills caused loss to the institution.

The official said the auditors had thoroughly examined the documents of the patients and the hospital.

A health department spokesperson, Sayed Hamad Raza, said it was a follow-up report of the auditor general and the previous government of the PTI was responsible for it.