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SESSI Mafia – Rs 57.64m medicines purchased against Rs21.45m budget  

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KARACHI: It seems there is no rules and regulations to check utilization of provincial exchequer as another mega corruption scandal surfaced at a hospital under control of Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI).

Ex Medical Superintendent, who is known for his unique style of corruption in purchasing of medicines, had purchased local medicines worth Rs 57.64 million during his posting at KVSS hospital, Site, Karachi.  

According to details, the commissioner, SESSI/competent authority had constituted an enquiry committee vide Office Order No SS-MW/306 dated 20th September 2021 to check local purchase of medicines in SESSI hospitals and circles.

The inquiry committee comprised Dr Javed Akhter Ujjan, Deputy Chief Medical Officer as Chairman while Khalid Hussain, Deputy Director GP Fund Board and Nadeem Khalid, Account Officer, SITE Circle as Members of the committee.

The inquiry committee was mandated to inquire the matter and furnish their report within fifteen days positively along with recommendation; to check the local purchase (LP) of medicines in hospitals and circles; to check the purchasing of cancer medicine included quoted rates, purchasing rates and quality of medicines, name of supplier which provide cancer medicines and to check the bills F10, F13.

According to official documents available with Sindhnews, the committee paid visits of KVSS hospitals on November 25 and 26 for the verification of local purchase of medicines made by the hospital administration during the financial year 2020-21 and observed the following.

The inquiry report revealed that there was a suspected collusive practice over the financial year 2020-2021 between hospital administration and LP suppliers for the wrongful gain just due to knowingly avoidance an obligation of approved tender listed medicines which caused embezzlement in the public money of SESSI at large.

The budget provision for the local purchase of medicine was Rs 21.45 million however the corrupt mafia surpassed the budget allocation and the amount rose to Rs 57.64 million.

The local suppliers included M/s MA Traders (Rs 32.829 million), M/s Wassey Traders (Rs 13.96 million), M/s Time Medical (Chemist) (Rs 4.97 million), and M/s Faisal Medical Store (Chemist) (Rs 5.88 million).

“This is also revealed that the 15 percent provision of LP not maintained by the hospital administration. This just random checking of record showing the 40 percent of the total budget of medicines purchased through aforesaid suppliers on account of local purchases of medicines. In the opinion of the enquiry committee the over all purchases may be remained quite high rate for LP at KVSS Hospital for the financial year 2020-2021.

The enquiry committee also noted the violation of SPPRA Rules in the procurement procedure of medicines through Local Purchases. Three quotations for the competitive rates not called by the authorities in accordance with the SPPRA Rules. All the above noted purchases through the Local Suppliers made on single quotation which caused loss of the institution’s fund. The provision for 15 percent budget for the purchase of medicines at the local level absolutely violated which may remained upto 50 percent of total allocated budget for the purchases of medicines.”

The inquiry report suggested that the centralized medicines purchase policy be adopted in SESSI so that the procurement procedure be managed and regulate perfectly in accordance with the SPPRA Rules in SESSI. Sindhnews repeatedly tried to seek official version from Dr Mumtaz Ali Shaikh however he did not respond back till filing of the report.

Health

Sindh has 14,089 doctors, 63,000 paramedics, 1,300 ambulances, CS told

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KARACHI: As many as 14,089 well-experienced doctors, 63,000 well-trained paramedical staff are working under the ambit of Sindh’s health department.

Besides, 1,300 ambulances are operational out of them 300 are providing free services in various areas of the province through Sindh Integrated Health Services.

This was told in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Sindh Asif Hyder Shah on Tuesday.

While briefing the chief secretary, Secretary Health Rehan Iqbal Baloch there are 14,089 doctors and 63,000 paramedical staff working in the health department with more than 1,000 ambulances in various hospitals across the province.

Additionally, over 300 ambulances are providing free services in different areas of the province through Sindh Integrated Health Services, Baloch added.

The meeting decided to enhance treatment facilities at district and divisional levels to provide standardized healthcare services within the districts, thus minimizing the need for people to travel to Karachi or other major cities for medical treatment.

CS Asif Hyder Shah emphasized the need for special attention to the immunization program to achieve optimal results and ensure access to vaccines for every child.

He directed the Secretary Health Rehan Iqbal Baloch to ensure the attendance of doctors and to improve treatment facilities and other facilities in hospitals.

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Health

Sindh Food Authority recovers thousands packets of fake juices

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HYDERABAD: While continuing its efforts to ensure healthy food to masses, the Sindh Food Authority has recovered thousands of packets of fake juices brand from Hyderabad.

As per the details, a team of Sindh Food Authority Hyderabad acting on the direction of Director General Sindh Food Authority Agha Fakhr Hussain, have recovered thousands of packets of harmful juice from a house in Sammanabad Qasimabad.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Deputy Director Hyderabad Fida Hussain Khoso.

The team also arrested three qccused, Yasin Sheikh, owner of the fake juice factory, two employees Islahuddin and Arbab. The team of Sindh Food Authority also seized the raw materials for making harmful juices.

It should be noted that this unhealthy juice was being provided at shops and bakeries. This action was taken after receiving complaints.

Speaking on this occasion, Deputy Director Hyderabad Fida Hussain Khoso said that Director General Sindh Food Authority Agha Fakhr Hussain had given clear instructions to take action against those selling adulterated products at all levels. He warned the sellers of adulterated food items to keep themselves away from their activities otherwise strict action would be taken against them under  Sindh Food Authority Act.

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Sindh Food Authority plans massive crackdown against adulterated food items

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KARACHI: The Sindh Food Authority is all set to initiate massive crackdown against selling of tea mixed with chemical milk at chai hotels.

While taking note of the various complaints, the food authority officials launched large-scale inspection of milk and tea shops.

In the first phase, milk and tea leaf samples were collected from more than hundred shops across the city. These inspections have been conducted under the supervision of Director General Sindh Food Authority Agha Fakhar Hussain.

The samples obtained from the shops have been sent to the laboratory of Karachi University. These samples will be biologically tested to find out the facts.

Speaking on the occasion, Director General Sindh Food Authority Agha Fakhar Hussain said that Ramadan is approaching and we will ensure the sale of pure milk and tea free from adulteration in Ramadan. Sale of adulterated food items will not be allowed.

Strict action will be taken against those who sell adulterated food items as per law.

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