SARGODHA: The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has arrested the storekeeper of Bhakkar DHQ hospital and registered a case against him, the driver and their private partner for allegedly misappropriating government medicines worth Rs90 million.

An investigation is under way to determine the role of others involved in ‘disappearance’ of drugs from the main store of DHQ hospital.

A three-member committee investigated the case and revealed that storekeeper Irfan Abbas along with his brother driver Imran Abbas and private person Ali Hassan have embezzled government medicines worth Rs90m.

On the disclosure in the report of the inquiry committee of the health CEO, the ACE has registered a case under section 409/477A of Pakistan Penal Code and 5/2/47PCA against the three suspects. Irfan Abbas has been arrested while his brother Imran managed his escape from the spot.

Locals, including the owner of a nearby medical store adjacent to DHQ hospital, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it seemed quite impossible for a storekeeper to embezzle huge quantities of medicines without the blessings of the hospital superintendent and other high-ups of the health department.

REMOVED: The commissioner has removed a price control magistrate over poor performance and instructed nine other magistrates, including four assistant commissioners, to improve their work.

He was addressing a review meeting of price control magistrates in his conference room on Saturday.

In addition to acting DC Mohsin Salahuddin, ADCG, deputy director food, officials of the market committee and other relevant officers, including deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners of Khushab, Mianwali, and Bhakkar, participated via video link.

The commissioner directed to fill vacant positions of price magistrates. He also directed DCs to lower prices of ghee in collaboration with relevant officers and dealers.

He issued instructions to monitor demand and prices of lentils across the division.

He emphasised the need to further reduce the price of bread after consulting stakeholders to provide relief to the public.

He said it was commendable that under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the prescribed price for roti and naan was being implemented across the division, but strict action should also be taken against those selling underweight bread.

He stressed that the prescribed rates of roti and naan with weight should be prominently displayed at every tandoor and sale point. He said that price magistrates should spend at least two hours daily in markets and also establish their camp offices in busy markets so that the public feels that the government is actively working to protect their rights.

The individual performance of each price control magistrate was reviewed in the session.

The commissioner directed all DCs and ACs to convene an immediate meeting with revenue officers regarding the important initiatives of the Board of Revenue.

He asked the DCs to submit reports to his office regarding approval pertaining to residential colonies in accordance with the timelines issued by the chief secretary.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2024