ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) has set up an audit and monitoring committee with the power to bring in experts from the market to ensure transparency in all of the hospital’s purchases.

No purchases over Rs1 million will be made without seeking clearance from the committee, which will be chaired by Prof Iqbal Memon. Heads of various departments have been made members of the committee.

Most purchases made by hospitals in the past have been the subject of question. The Supreme Court has also taken notice of the purchase of medical gases by Polyclinic. A report by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) submitted to the SC has alleged that Polyclinic lost Rs35m due to the purchase of medical gases and other items at prices higher than the market rate. Some of the purchased items were bought at eight times the market rate.

Because of the case, a debate has arisen about new strategies and methods for the purchases of medical equipment and products at uniform rates for all hospitals, arguing that doctors cannot understand the purchasing process and experts should be included in committees in order to streamline the matter.

The notification issued by Pims, which is available with Dawn, states that a monitoring committee has been constituted to verify the quality of work and the purchases of equipment according to orders placed.

Committee members include Prof Mazhar Badshah, Prof Shajee Siddiqui, Dr S.H. Waqar and Dr Rizwan Hameed Malik.

The committee can bring in representatives from civil engineering, accounts, administration and other departments.

Pims Executive Director Dr Raja Amjad told Dawn it has been decided that no purchases over Rs1m will be made without the committee’s approval.

“The committee will also look into the process of purchases and will be empowered to get the services of experts to ensure that there is no embezzlement or corruption in the purchases. The committee will be suggested to bring in a civil engineer and accountant to ensure transparency. The committee will also check the quality of works and no payments will be made without its clearance,” he said.

Dr Amjad said it has also been decided that the hospital will provide 60 private rooms with all the facilities so that people can stop visiting private hospitals and receive treatment at nominal rates. “Free treatment at the Cardiac Centre has also been ensured,” he said.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2018