Massive corruption revealed at hospital in Gandapur’s native district

Muhammad Irshadullah

PESHAWAR: Alarming details of massive corruption and financial mismanagement have emerged from the District Headquarters Hospital in Dera Ismail Khan, the native district of KP Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur.

According to the internal audit report of the provincial health department, over Rs410 million in public funds were misused with evidence of embezzlement, medicine theft, illegal appointments and serious administrative violations.

The initial audit uncovered misappropriation worth Rs207.2 million. However, the final internal audit report suggests the total financial irregularities exceed Rs410 million. The hospital’s pharmacist, storekeeper and acting medical director have been held responsible for the corruption.

A female store in-charge is accused of stealing medicines worth Rs135.4 million and selling them illegally. Additionally, medicines worth Rs43.1 million supplied by contractors were reported missing, and Rs25 million worth of medicines received from Mufti Mehmood Memorial Hospital were also allegedly sold unlawfully.

Irregularities in the CT scan contract also exposed where a firm named Liba International Peshawar was awarded an illegal subsidy of Rs83.9 million. As per the contract, 40% of the profits were to be deposited with the government which was never done causing heavy losses to the state treasury.

Furthermore, Dr. Farrukh Jameel was allegedly appointed hospital director in violation of rules and received Rs29.4 million in salaries and allowances. An additional Rs 39.7 million was paid in salaries to unauthorized employees. A non-transparent contract worth Rs66 million was also awarded for the supply of medical gases.

The health department has formally requested the Anti-Corruption Establishment Circle in Peshawar to register FIRs against the involved officials. Sources confirm that legal proceedings and recovery of the embezzled funds have been demanded to ensure accountability.