DADU, Feb 27: The anti-corruption police initiated an inquiry against the health officials of the district on Thursday for embezzling Rs10 million between August 2001 and July 2002 meant for purchasing medicines and equipment for hospitals, and repairing of vehicles.

The inspector, anti-corruption police, Mohammad Khan Panhwar, in charge of the complaint cell at the deputy director’s office, anti-corruption establishment, Hyderabad, arrived here and has started investigating into the complaints regarding purchase of medicines, repairing of vehicles, and POL expenses.

He has sought some more documents from the EDO, health, which included the records of the EDO, health office, during the period from August 13, 2001 to July 22, 2002.

EDO: On being contacted, the EDO, health, Dr Khadim Hussain Lakhair, confirmed that the anti-corruption police have initiated investigation regarding the purchasing of equipment and medicines for the hospitals.

He said that investigation was going on against the ex-EDO, health, Dr Sharafuddin, and other officers of the health department.

He said that after receiving two letters from the investigation agency, he had provided the records of the assets/property and some documents regarding purchase of medicines and equipment.

INVESTIGATING TEAM: The in charge, investigating team, Inspector Mohammad Khan Panhwar, said that he was collecting details regarding the purchase of medicines worth millions of rupees.

He disclosed that some complaints were pending against some officers of the health department.

DG HEALTH: The director general, Health Services Sindh, Dr Qadir Bux, said that he was unaware regarding any investigation against the health officials of Dadu district.

He said that he would constitute an enquiry committee if the embezzlement had taken place under utilization of health funds.

DISTRICT NAZIM: The district Nazim, Malik Asad Sikandar, said that he had received some complaints and some documents regarding the purchase of medicines last year and had directed the then DCO to conduct an inquiry, but it was not completed.

When this correspondent tried to contact the EDO, health, Dr Sharafuddin, on the telephone, he refused to speak.