MULTAN: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has ordered action against the former medical superintendent and additional medical superintendent of the Nishtar Hospital under the

Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (Peeda) Act 2006 for allegedly committing irregularities for purchasing equipment and medicines besides misusing his authority in appointments and promotions in the hospital, Dawn has learnt.

According to an official order issued by the special secretary specialised healthcare and medical education department on Oct 23, there were sufficient grounds to proceed against former MS Nishtar Hospital Dr Abdul Rehman Qureshi and former additional medical superintendent (admin) Dr Rafique Akhtar on the charges of irregularities in appointments and promotions against the posts of basic pay scale (BPS) 1 to 16, purchase of drugs/medicines and surgical disposables items since the financial year 2015; misappropriation of janitorial services; illegal appointment of Dr Shahnawaz (a postgraduate research trainee) as AMS pharmacy, purchase and repair of medical equipments, purchase and action of air conditioners and purchase of petroleum, oil and lubricants.

Launches inquiry into charges against them

“And whereas, in due consideration of facts of the case and in the interest of the justice, it is necessary to hold an inquiry under Peeda Act 2006, I, chief minister/competent authority, therefore, appoint Prof Dr Khalid

Masood Gondal, Vice Chancellor King Edward Medical University, Lahore, as inquiry officer to proceed against the accused in terms of section 5(1)(b) read with section 9(1) (a) of the act ibid , medical superintendent, Nishtar Hospital, Multan is appointed as departmental representative in terms of section 9(1)(c) of the act ibid,” the order stated.

The respondents have been given a week to submit their written defence to the inquiry officer who would submit his report to the authority within 60 days.

It is pertinent to mention here the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) also is probing the alleged corruption by Dr Qureshi and his son, Huzaifa Rehman.

Complainant Kaleemullah Khan had alleged that Dr Qureshi, his son Huzaifa Rehman, AMS Pharmacy Dr Shah Zaman, AMS Admin Dr Muhammad Rafique Akhtar and AMS Purchase Dr Naeem Asim were involved in illegal appointments and promotions besides corruption.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2018