ISLAMABAD: Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) has dismissed the head of Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) Dr Saqlain Gilani.

Gilani was suspended after a team of National Accountability Bureau (NAB) recovered Rs18 million during a raid on his house in December 2018.

“He was arrested by NAB after his bail was cancelled by the Islamabad High Court. During custody suspect opted for plea bargain and surrendered all amount, recovered from his house, due to which he was released by the Accountability Court.

As plea bargain was proof that suspect was involved in the crime so it was decided to dismiss him from the service,” An official of ministry, requesting not to be quoted, said.

During raid, conducted by Rawalpindi Branch of anti-corruption watchdog, cash amount including $9,000, local currency and other foreign currencies were also recovered. It was believed that the amount was taken by the suspect as kickback from a company which got contract for EPI campaign.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2019