Hospitals under fire for drug purchase violations

RAWALPINDI: The Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department has sought explanations from the medical superintendents of three major government hospitals in Rawalpindi for failing to implement the annual procurement calendar and financial discipline in medicine purchases.

Notices have been issued to the heads of Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital, and Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital for giving reasons on why disciplinary measures should not be imposed against them due to misconduct, inefficiency, and negligence.

From the information made available by the Department, it is revealed that even after receiving clear instructions, the notified calendar was not followed.

Local purchase of medicines - 40 percent at Holy Family Hospital, 57 percent at Benazir Bhutto Hospital, and 39 percent at Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital – was found in contravention of the procurement and financial guidelines.

The officials have been advised to provide their replies in five days' time.

Because of the non-compliance of the procurement process, these hospitals owe millions of rupees to vendors for medicines supplied to them.