LAHORE – A recent audit uncovered serious financial irregularities in Punjab Health Department’s decision to lease warehouse at a highly elevated cost, raising concerns about transparency and misuse of public funds in country’s most populated region.
The audit report shows Health Department made payment of Rs128.6 million to a private logistics company, TCS, for warehouse rental, without fulfilling mandatory procedural requirements. Health Department failed to present certificate confirming unavailability of government-owned property before opting for private space.
It reveals that department did not consult Excise Department to get rental valuation, a standard step required under government regulations, violating established public procurement and leasing laws.
The report highlights that private individuals were handling the transportation of medicines and medical equipment from the warehouse, further breaching official protocols and raising concerns about security and accountability.
The mismanagement in payment is believed to have inflicted substantial financial loss on national kitty. Auditor General of Pakistan ordered a formal inquiry and directed the Health Department to identify those responsible for the violations and take appropriate disciplinary action.
The new report sparked criticism and renewed calls for transparency in handling of public health resources, particularly at a time when the healthcare system is under significant pressure.
