SAHIWAL: After the development funds scam, now allegations of massive financial irregularities and misconduct have surfaced in the procurement of medicines worth more than Rs1 billion at Sahiwal Teaching Hospital (STH), where official records related to the purchases have reportedly gone ‘missing’.
Dawn learnt from sources that the regional office of the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) had fixed responsi-bility for the recovery of Rs220 million on two former medical superintendents and pharmacist Adnan Javed.
Another Rs120m was allegedly paid to four pharmaceutical companies for medicines that were never supplied to the hospital.
Sources said Punjab Ombudsperson Ayesha Javed had sought a detailed report within 45 days on the action taken against officials held responsible for the alleged irregularities and those accused of causing a loss of Rs340m to the exchequer.
In a letter (No. 599-C0), dated Oct 9, 2026, the ACE sought the inquiry record from STH Medical Superintendent Dr FaisalWaheed.
According to the details, the inquiry originated from a complaint lodged by citizen Shahbaz Afzal in May 2026. The ACE director general subsequently referred the matter (E507/25) to theACE Sahiwal office on Sept14, 2026.
The complaint alleged that during the procurement of medicines worth more than Rsibn, prices were inflated by 200 to 300 per cent above approved rates before payments were made.
The inquiry reportedly held pharmacist Adnan Javed, former MS Yadullah, MS Faisal Waheed and Director Finance Abdul Aleem responsible for financial losses. It recommended the recovery of substantial amounts, including Rs120m and Rs100m from the officials concerned.
The report further alleged that four pharmaceutical companies, in collusion with hospital officials, received payments amounting to Rs120m for medicines that were never delivered to the hospital.
The matter had earlier attracted the attention of the Punjab government. On June 9, 2026, the chief minister orderedan inquiry into allegations of corruption, abuse of authority and financial irregularities in the procurement of medicines.
However, despite directions from the provincial minister and the secretary of the Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department, the ACE allegedly delayed action against those held responsible, even after completing its inquiry.
Following the latest developments, the Punjab ombudsperson has formally sought a report on the inquiry findings and the action taken against the officials accused of financial misconduct.
Sources further said Director Finance Abdul Aleem, who was also holding an additional charge at Sahiwal, had recently been removed from his position.
The hospital’s medical superintendent did not respond despite repeated attempts.