Sub-standard injections case: DG Health and others arrested
The three senior officials were involved in the purchase of 1.6 million poor quality interferon vials.
A legal case on the issue is currently ongoing in the Peshawar High Court. PHOTOS: EXPRESS/FILE
PESHAWAR:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Anti Corruption Establishment (ACE) has arrested three key persons responsible for the sub-standard quality of interferon injections distributed in hospitals to treat the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
The ACE arrested Director General (DG) Health Services Dr Sharif Ahmad Khan, former programme director Ghulam Subhani and Mubarak Shah, a junior clerk. The three officials, who were involved in the purchase of 1.6 million poor quality interferon vials at a total cost of Rs140 million, were apprehended at their respective offices and moved to an ACE investigation cell.
“Yes, it is confirmed we have arrested DG Health Dr Sharif Ahmad Khan,” said an official of the ACE requesting anonymity. The official added several others, whose names could not be revealed due to the sensitivity of the situation, had been taken into custody as well.
A legal case on the issue is currently ongoing in the Peshawar High Court. The court has ordered the ACE, which has already seized stocks of the drug from hospitals, to find out whether any patients have died as a result of being administered with inferior injections. The three arrested persons are to be presented before the court.
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Anti Corruption Establishment (ACE) has arrested three key persons responsible for the sub-standard quality of interferon injections distributed in hospitals to treat the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
The ACE arrested Director General (DG) Health Services Dr Sharif Ahmad Khan, former programme director Ghulam Subhani and Mubarak Shah, a junior clerk. The three officials, who were involved in the purchase of 1.6 million poor quality interferon vials at a total cost of Rs140 million, were apprehended at their respective offices and moved to an ACE investigation cell.
“Yes, it is confirmed we have arrested DG Health Dr Sharif Ahmad Khan,” said an official of the ACE requesting anonymity. The official added several others, whose names could not be revealed due to the sensitivity of the situation, had been taken into custody as well.
A legal case on the issue is currently ongoing in the Peshawar High Court. The court has ordered the ACE, which has already seized stocks of the drug from hospitals, to find out whether any patients have died as a result of being administered with inferior injections. The three arrested persons are to be presented before the court.