The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has detected Rs1.25 billion in embezzlement within the KP Health Department’s medicine procurement process for the fiscal year 2023-24.
Key Findings of the Investigation
- Total Budget for Medicine Procurement: Rs4.4 billion
- Payments Made to 50 Companies: Over Rs4 billion
- 15 Companies Received: Over Rs3 billion
- Major Irregularities:
- Advance payments were made before medicines were delivered.
- Fake delivery challans were issued by the Director General of Health.
- The national exchequer lost Rs1.25 billion due to non-delivery of medicines.
NAB’s Response
- A formal investigation has been initiated after the preliminary inquiry exposed massive financial misconduct.
- Authorities are expected to identify officials and companies involved in the fraudulent transactions.
Potential Consequences
- Legal action against responsible officials and private entities.
- Possible seizure of misappropriated funds.
- Policy changes in procurement to prevent future corruption.
This development raises concerns over governance and accountability in public health funding. Would you like updates on NAB’s legal proceedings or government responses to this issue?
