Medical equipment worth over Rs10 million vanishes from Lahore's Jinnah Hospital

The Department of Specialised Healthcare has issued a show-cause notice to the in-charge of Jinnah Hospital in Lahore after medical equipment worth over Rs10 million reportedly went missing from the facility.

Following the theft, the authorities formed a three-member committee to investigate the matter. The inquiry allegedly found Dr Shabbir Hussain, the hospital in-charge, involved in the case.

According to the investigation report, there is evidence of corruption against Dr Shabbir. The show-cause notice stated that a number of items, including operation theatre tables, beds, air conditioners, wheelchairs, and other furniture valued at Rs10.21 million, were stolen during a specific period.

Read: Cancer medicines worth Rs360 million stolen from Civil Hospital Karachi

The notice further claimed that the disappearance of the medical equipment was deliberate. The Health Department has warned that action will be taken if a satisfactory explanation is not provided within the stipulated time.

Earlier, in June 2024, cancer medicines worth Rs360 million were stolen from Karachi's Civil Hospital. The case was registered at the Eidgah Police Station on the complaint of Medical Superintendent (MS) Syed Muhammad Khalid.

In the FIR, the senior health official claimed that two hospital employees had sold 76,000 tablets valued at Rs 360 million.

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The complainant stated that the employees, identified as Niaz Ahmed Khaskheli and Iqbal Ahmed Channa, were found involved in the theft of medications, along with other staff members.

He added that over a period of eight months, from February 17 to September 19, 2023, the suspects stole and sold at least 76,000 tablets of Albunox 50mg and Palbunox 125mg.

The corrupt practices of both employees were uncovered during a departmental investigation conducted by the Health Department last week.