KARACHI: The reported allegations of Umerkot Health Department corruption have prompted the Sindh Anti-Corruption Establishment to launch a formal investigation into suspected financial and administrative irregularities.
The agency has summoned District Health Officer Dr. Muhammad Ali Nehri and Accountant Shuja Memon to Karachi. Officials have also demanded complete departmental records for examination.
Media reports quoted anti-corruption sources saying the inquiry will focus on alleged non-transparent purchases of medicines and medical equipment. Investigators will examine claims that officials awarded contracts to favored or fictitious firms. They will also assess allegations involving substandard medicines.
Umerkot medicine procurement scandal under review
The investigation team has requested National Invitation to Tender documents, tender files, comparative statements, stock registers, company invoices and payment vouchers. These records will help officials determine whether the department followed procurement rules.
The inquiry also covers Accountant Ijaz Memon’s 16-year posting in Umerkot.
Officials are checking his educational certificates, appointment orders and service record. They have also sought transfer, posting and salary details for the DHO and accountants named in the inquiry.
Investigators will examine the alleged ownership of a bungalow, flat, luxury vehicle and other assets by Ijaz Memon. The inquiry seeks to establish whether the assets match his known sources of income.
Ambulance use among Umerkot Health Department allegations
Officials have also requested the POL logbook and fuel record for donated Toyota Hiace ambulance CQ-0938. The records may help determine whether someone used the relief vehicle as a transport shuttle or for private purposes.
The agency has directed the immediate submission of the department’s annual budgets, head-wise expenditure statements, cashbooks, ledgers, utilization certificates and payment vouchers. Internal and external audit reports, including observations by the Auditor General of Sindh, are also part of the review.
Sindh Anti-Corruption investigation to assess records
The Sindh Anti-Corruption investigation remains at the inquiry stage. The allegations have not yet been proven, and the individuals named have the right to respond under the law.
Officials say they will review the records before deciding on further action. The Umerkot Health Department corruption inquiry could determine whether procurement, financial controls and public assets were misused.
Earlier reporting has also highlighted concerns over medicine procurement and oversight in Sindh’s health sector.
