Hospitals under fire for drug purchase violations

RAWALPINDI:

The Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department has sought explanations from the medical superintendents of three major government hospitals in Rawalpindi for failing to implement the annual procurement calendar and financial discipline in medicine purchases.

Notices have been issued to the heads of Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital, asking why disciplinary action should not be taken against them for misconduct, inefficiency, and negligence.

According to details, the department stated that despite clear instructions, the notified procurement calendar was not implemented.

Local purchases of medicines - recorded at 40 per cent in Holy Family Hospital, 57 per cent in Benazir Bhutto Hospital, and 39 per cent in Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital - were found to be in violation of policy and financial rules.

The officials have been directed to submit their explanations within five days.

Due to violations of the procurement system, the hospitals currently owe millions of rupees to vendors for supplied medicines.