SARGODHA, Aug 18: A Radiology ward technician of the DHQ Hospital deputed to conduct the CT scan is allegedly earning over Rs200,000 per month by unfair means.

It was learnt that earlier he was posted at the X-ray room where he was reportedly earning Rs500,000 per month while he would pay Rs20,000 per month to an elected representative.

Medical superintendent Capt Dr Muhammad Siddique Khokhar had ordered an inquiry against technician Tariq on June 24 for allegedly misappropriating around 100 films of CT scan. All the same, the technician concerned seems to be satisfied for he is using his contacts to cope with the situation.

In the X-ray section, he would charge Rs65 from each patient as against the official fee of Rs15 only. Similarly, he is allegedly charging Rs10,000 from a patient referred by a private neuro surgeon, Dr Iqbal.

The neuro surgeon posted at the DHQ Hospital invites the outdoor and indoor patients to visit him privately. With the connivance of technician Tahir, the doctor refers his private patients to him for CT scan at the DHQ Hospital. From each patient, the surgeon reportedly gets his share of Rs8,000 while the technician collects Rs2,000.

Talking to Dawn, Muhammad Siddique bin Sani of Hyderabad Town said that last year some people of his town met with a road accident. Five of the injured were suggested to get their X-rays. He alleged that Tariq charged Rs70 per patient without issuing any receipt. He claimed that he had also lodged a complaint with the health authorities, but to no avail.

Similarly, Kunwar Muhammad Yamin of Phularwan claimed that he paid Rs65 to the technician last year for wrist and elbow X-Rays of his relative. He said the technician was an influential figure having close links with high-ups of the health department.

MS Capt Dr Muhammad Siddique Khokhar said that he was not in a position to confirm or deny the corruption charges. However, he said that the technician was transferred to the CT scan section for his bad reputation. Since his transfer there, he alleged that some 100 X-ray films were reported missing and an inquiry had been ordered in this regard.

Mr Khokhar regretted that no complainant approached him with concrete evidence, but he assured that strict action would be taken against the corrupt employees. About allegations of minting money, technician Tariq reluctantly said how could he embezzle the amount without the support of high-ups and the incharge concerned.

He also expressed his desire to be shifted to either the X-ray section or emergency ward. He further added that no doubt said technician is influential as per some rumours he managed control over complainants.