Probe launched into appointments at Hayatabad Medical Complex

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) has begun an inquiry into alleged irregularities in appointments made at Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC), seeking a complete record of recruitments and applicants for several key posts.

A letter sent by ACE to the HMC hospital director asked for records related to appointments for the positions of director finance, supply chain manager, procurement manager and internal chief auditor within three days. The inquiry is being pursued on complaints submitted to the directorate of the anti-corruption establishment.

The letter stated that complete records were required on an urgent basis regarding the filling of these posts at the Medical Teaching Institution (MTI) HMC. ACE sought details of the selection process, including the dates on which it was carried out and copies of newspaper advertisements issued to invite applications.

The establishment also requested screening lists for the posts under review as well as other vacancies, their categorisation, and details of all applicants who had applied. It further asked for full information about shortlisted candidates, those declared successful, and those who were eventually appointed.

Documents and selection record sought

To examine the credentials of the selected officers, ACE asked the hospital director to provide attested copies of the educational and experience documents of the appointees. It also sought the names and designations of the members of the selection committee that approved the appointments.

The minutes of departmental selection committee meetings linked to the appointments have also been requested, along with the list of candidates called for interviews. In addition, ACE asked for merit lists for all appointments in accordance with the Esta Code, as well as official orders, notifications, terms and conditions, and any other relevant material.

The hospital director was asked to direct the relevant officials to provide the required record under Rule 3(3) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Anti-Corruption Rules, 1999, so that the proceedings could be completed without delay.

Resignation of medical director

On April 29, HMC medical director Dr Mohammad Mushtaq resigned, reportedly after refusing to agree to a series of fresh appointments. He was later replaced by Prof Khalid Khan, a senior pathologist at the same hospital.

Dr Mushtaq, who is chairman of the dentistry and maxillofacial department and allied surgical department at Khyber Girls Medical College and HMC, had been appointed medical director in January. He opposed the appointments and was forced to step down.

Wider scrutiny of MTIs

Sources in ACE said the establishment had also started a series of investigations into alleged illegal appointments in other MTIs. They said MTIs, which are run by boards of governors and make decisions independently of the health department, had faced strong criticism from doctors’ associations over alleged violations of merit in appointments carrying higher salaries.

The same sources said ACE had received numerous complaints supported by documentary evidence, prompting the launch of the probes against MTIs.