ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has uncovered a significant embezzlement of Rs1.25 billion in the procurement of medicines by the provincial Health Department during the fiscal year 2023-24. The investigation revealed serious irregularities in the handling of funds allocated for the purchase of medicines, prompting NAB to launch a formal inquiry into the matter.
Irregularities in Medicine Procurement Process
According to preliminary findings, the province allocated Rs4.4 billion for the purchase of medicines, with over Rs4 billion paid to around 50 companies involved in the process. Shockingly, 15 of these companies received more than Rs3 billion in payments, despite the fact that many of the medicines had not yet been delivered.
Further investigation revealed that counterfeit delivery challans, purportedly issued by the Director General of Health, were used to authorize payments. This fraudulent activity led to a loss of Rs1.25 billion from the national exchequer, as no actual medicines were delivered in exchange for the funds.
NAB Moves Forward with Official Investigation
In light of these findings, NAB Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has decided to escalate the issue to a formal investigation. Authorities are now working to identify all individuals involved in the scam and hold them accountable for their actions.
The scale of this corruption case has raised serious concerns about the transparency and accountability in public sector procurement processes, especially in critical sectors like healthcare.
Government’s Response and Next Steps
The government has yet to release a detailed response, but NAB’s actions indicate a strong commitment to addressing corruption and safeguarding public funds. This development is part of a broader effort to ensure that taxpayer money is utilized for its intended purpose and that those responsible for financial misconduct face appropriate legal consequences.
As the investigation progresses, further details about the companies and individuals involved in the scam are expected to emerge. This case underscores the need for greater oversight and accountability within government procurement procedures to prevent such fraudulent activities in the future.
