Hayatabad Medical Complex sacks director over administrative lapses, procurement delays

PESHAWAR: Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), a prominent tertiary care public healthcare facility in Peshawar, has dismissed its director (supply chain), Mohammad Ishaq Khan, due to subpar performance, significant administrative blunders, and recurring delays in procurement procedures. The dismissal unfolded after an "open audit" conducted by the anti-corruption establishment (ACE), which uncovered irregularities during the recent HMC hiring process.

ACE declared that BoG chairman Dr. Noorul Iman was "primarily accountable for abuse and misuse of statutory authority, unauthorized interference in the recruitment and selection process, and failure to protect public funds." The ACE's report recommended criminal, departmental, and other legal actions against Dr. Iman, board members, and other relevant officials.

Dr. Iman rejected the ACE's findings, asserting that the audit was founded on assumptions, hearsay, and lacking substantial proof. He contended that accusing someone without due process contradicts the principles of justice. The 27-page ACE report also implicated BoG members for neglecting their responsibility to supervise the board's administrative and financial resources, ensuring adherence to statutory and regulatory standards.

The dismissal letter informed that the director (supply chain), Ishaq Khan, who was on a probationary period, was immediately required to cease all administrative, financial, procurement, and managerial duties for HMC. He must carry out all necessary handovers, takeovers, clearance, and exit formalities promptly. The ACE audit, initiated on a complaint by Mardan Medical Complex auditor Mushtaq Ahmad, revealed that the BoG chairman used his authority to facilitate appointments of favored individuals to various HMC administrative positions, contravening the Medical Teaching Institution Act, 2015, and MTI Regulations.

The ACE report also demanded the cancellation of all appointments, re-designations, upgrades, and additional assignments deemed unlawful under the MTI Act, 2015, MTI Regulations, or prescribed recruitment procedures. It further instructed authorities to recover Rs32.87 million from individuals who benefited from or illegally obtained positions, promotions, and upgrades.

The report cautioned that, pending a final resolution, the competent authority should take appropriate measures to avoid further financial losses, which may involve reviewing or suspending disputed salaries, enhancements, incentives, contract extensions, and additional remuneration without disrupting essential hospital and clinical services.