Officials accused of drawing undue allowances

RAWALPINDI:

An audit has revealed that 75 employees of the District Health Authority Rawalpindi, though posted at Basic Health Units (BHUs), were performing general duties elsewhere and illegally drawing the Health Sector Reform Allowance amounting to Rs722,394.

The staff, including Johar Aqeel, Muhammad Khan, Zohaib, Noreen Fatima, and Tanzila Shafiq, continued to draw salaries and an additional monthly allowance of Rs3,621 each despite not performing their assigned health centre duties.

When the audit of the District Health Officer's office for 2023-24 was conducted, it was found that these employees were working on general duty instead of at their respective BHUs. Recovery orders were issued, but the amount has not yet been reclaimed.

Following the findings, the Health Secretary ordered the termination of all general duties and placements.

The District Health Authority subsequently ended the general duties of 70 employees, sending them back to their health centres.

Recently, Johar Aqeel was also sent back to his original posting at Basic Health Unit Roopar Kalan. However, two male and two female employees still continue on general duty despite being posted at BHUs.