QUETTA: In a shocking revelation, an audit report for the financial year 2022-23 has uncovered substantial irregularities and embezzlement of funds totaling a staggering Rs2.4 billion within the Balochistan Health Department.
Sources within the Finance Department have disclosed that a significant discrepancy was identified in the records related to the procurement of medicines, with an unaccounted expenditure of Rs344.7 million.
This alarming disclosure comes on the heels of a series of financial discrepancies within the healthcare sector. In the financial year 2020-21, an alleged embezzlement of Rs20 million had been reported, categorized as fees at the BMC Hospital.
Upon closer examination of the financial records, a suspicious payment of Rs1.8 million, ostensibly for the activation of an oxygen plant at the BMC Hospital, has raised concerns about the transparency of financial transactions within the department. Additionally, a substantial sum of Rs273 million was found to have been unlawfully retained in various offices under the jurisdiction of the health department.
Another disconcerting revelation pertains to the unauthorized disbursement of payments amounting to Rs169.5 million to doctors between 2019 and 2022 in the form of various allowances. This raises questions about the prudent management of funds and the allocation of resources within the healthcare system.
The magnitude of these financial irregularities is deeply concerning and calls into question the financial management practices within the Balochistan Health Department.
Authorities are expected to launch a comprehensive investigation into these allegations to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. This is crucial to ensure that such financial mismanagement does not continue to undermine the delivery of healthcare services to the people of Balochistan.
