Doctors face forged documents inquiry

False qualification, experience claims by applicants for MS suspected

LAHORE:

At least five senior doctors are suspected of having submitted fake documents in their bid to be appointed as medical superintendents (MS) of teaching hospitals.

According to official sources, the doctors had allegedly submitted forged experience certificates and falsely claimed to possess degrees in hospital management that were an essential qualification for appointment as MS under revised rules introduced by the Punjab government to improve healthcare administration.

The provincial government has launched an inquiry under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act. Member of Board of Revenue Rashid Kamalur Rehman has been appointed as the inquiry officer. Under the act, the investigation must be concluded within 60 days.

Sources in the health department said Aziz Bhatti Shaheed Hospital MS Dr Nasir Chauhan, Dr Hasnain Raza and Dr Lubna Azam of Nishtar Hospital, Dr Samira Hassan of Quaid-e-Azam Medical College and Dr Shahroz Hassan of Lady Willingdon Hospital have been served notices to submit written replies within seven days regarding allegations of submitting fake certificates for the selection.

A senior official said the certificate submitted by the senior doctors pertained to experience in hospital management, administration and qualifications.

The MS are responsible for hospital operations, patient care quality, staff performance and resource management. Lacunas in their appointments compromises the entire healthcare system.

The official said the provincial health authorities would adopt a zero-tolerance policy if any doctor would be found guilty in the inquiry. He said the higher authorities wanted action over the matter.

"If found guilty, the doctors may face dismissal from service, disqualification for government posts, and potential criminal charges related to forgery and fraud," the official added.