Pakistan

Corruption charges: FIA seeks records of Polyclinic doctor

The doctor was ‘illegally’ appointed on a senior position.

Sehrish Wasif February 22, 2015 1 min read

Javed claimed that the party’s central office had received complaints about the doctor from residents. STOCK IMAGE

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has sought record of a senior doctor about his appointment at the Polyclinic on a senior position allegedly in violation of rules and his involvement in corruption.

Ghulam Warraich, deputy director of the anti-corruption circle of the FIA, on February 19 through a letter requested the executive director of Polyclinic Dr Zahid Hussain to provide complete details of Dr Fayyaz Ahmad Sheikh, the deputy executive director.

The FIA’s action came in response to a complaint filed by Shahzad Javed, a member of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Javed claimed that the party’s central office had received complaints about the doctor from residents.

“Investigations were then held considering the nature of complaints which found that he was appointed illegally, held a fake degree and had been involved in corruption”.

According to the complaint lodged with FIA, in order to be part of the administrative cadre, Dr Sheikh apart from an MBBS must also hold a Masters [degree] in Public Health (MPH) from a recognised institute.

The doctor allegedly managed to change his cadre from clinical to administrative with the help of forged certificates.

He was promoted and appointed assistant executive director and then deputy director against seats which were to be filled through Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC), a clear violation of the civil servant rules 1973.

To add to the list of charges, Dr Sheikh, earlier in 2010, was also found to be involved in embezzlement and theft of medicines purchased to assist poor patients in their treatment. The case was registered with the Aabpara Police Station where it was further alleged that the doctor used unfair means to hush the subject.

He was also served a show-cause notice by the former federal secretary health but managed to sail through it.

“We have requested the FIA to take action against him and those who facilitated him,” said Javed.

Dr Sheikh, however, denied the allegations, saying he obtained his MPHM through a scholarship programme.

“I was appointed through FPSC in 1993 following proper procedures,” he added.

When contacted, a member of the hospital’s media committee said the case has been sent to the Capital Administrative and Development Division. He added that the hospital administration has begun investigations and will soon provide required details to FIA.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 23^rd, 2015.