DERA GHAZI KHAN, Aug 22: An inspection team has detected embezzlement in the World Food Programme’s distribution of cooking oil among mothers and newborns in rural areas.

The oil is distributed by lady health visitors (LHVs) appointed at basic health units (BHUs) and rural health centres (RHCs) under the supervision of district health officials.

A two-member WFP inspection team consisting of Programme Manager Mrs Salma and Malik Aslam visited the office of Health executive district officer (EDO) and went through the record.

The team also visited various BHUs and RHCs and contacted registered mothers to take the stock of distribution process.

The WFP team found 570 tins of cooking oil missing from the main store of the district health office and held storekeeper Aftab responsible.

The storekeeper took the stance that missing tins had been distributed in Sanjar Saidan and Rakhi Moon villages where, however, no lady LHV had been appointed. Under the rules only LHVs are authorised to distribute the oil among mothers and infants.

In 2005-06, an audit team had traced 761 tins of cooking oil missing from the store room and the Anti-Corruption Establishment took cognisance of the matter. The then EDO, Dr Iqbal, ordered an inquiry, which held Aftab guilty and he was later removed from the office.

The present EDO, Parvaiz Altaf, however, appointed Aftab again to hold the responsibility, who resorted to his previous malpractice.

The team informed the Health EDO and District Coordination Officer Iram Bukhari about the incident.

When contacted, DCO Iram said she would take strict action against the officials responsible.