KARACHI, Sept 9: Sindh chief minister's adviser on Health Faisal Malik on Thursday ordered action against the EDO (health), Naushehro Feroz, Dr Ali Haider Korejo , and medical superintendent of the Peoples Medical College Hospital, Nawab Shah, Dr Nisar Ahmed Shaikh, on charges of corruption and misuse of powers.

The officials have been relieved from their present duties and asked to report to the Sindh Health department. Mr Malik also ordered suspension of seven doctors, two store keepers and two accountants, and called explanation from them on charges of negligence in performing their duties, an official handout said.

The handout stated that during his visit to Naushehro Feroz, the adviser observed irregularities in medicine purchase. The EDO allegedly purchased medicines from local budget of Rs4.8 million, out of the total budget of Rs19.4 million, without following rules and regulations in this regard.

He purchased substandard and almost expired medicines from unregistered and unrecognized companies without inviting quotations through national newspapers, it was alleged. The adviser, during the visit, also found involved in negligence and malpractice, Dr Mohammad Asif, Dr Nadeem, Dr Munawar, Dr Khan Mohammad, Store Keeper Nazir Shah, Sub-Store Keeper Qamaruddin and Accountant Mohammad Hanif.

Later, during his visit to the PMC Hospital, Nawabshah, the adviser came to know that the MS, Dr Nisar Ahmed Shaikh, purchased medicines worth Rs5 million from local purchase account without fulfilling concerned rules. He ordered Dr Shaikh to hand over the charge to the DMS, Dr Naseer Shaikh, and report to the health department.

Mr Malik also found involved in this practice Assistant Shamsuddin Soomro, Dr Ismail Arain, Inspection Incharge Dr Manzoor Memon, Dr Aijaz Pirzada and Store Incharge Ghulam Qamber. He visited the hospital wards and inquired the patients about facilities made available there. He expressed his dissatisfaction over unhygienic conditions in the hospital. -PPI