An official audit has uncovered a significant case of irregularity within the Rawalpindi health department, where dozens of employees were found drawing special allowances without performing their mandated duties.
Audit Exposes Misuse of Public Funds
The investigation, focusing on the District Health Officer's office for the 2023-24 period, revealed a startling practice. 75 employees of the District Health Authority Rawalpindi, who were officially stationed at various Basic Health Units (BHUs), were not present at their posts. Instead, they were performing general duties at other locations.
Despite this unauthorized absence from their health centers, all 75 individuals continued to receive their full salaries along with a Health Sector Reform Allowance. This additional monthly payment of Rs3,621 per person resulted in a total illegitimate draw of Rs722,394 from public funds.
Employees Identified and Recovery Ordered
The audit report specifically named several staff members involved in this practice, including Johar Aqeel, Muhammad Khan, Zohaib, Noreen Fatima, and Tanzila Shafiq. Following the discovery, the health authorities took immediate action.
Recovery orders were issued to reclaim the wrongly paid allowances. However, as of the latest reports, the substantial amount of money has not yet been successfully recovered by the department.
Administrative Action and Lingering Issues
The findings prompted a strong response from higher authorities. The Health Secretary directed the termination of all such general duty assignments and ordered the employees' return to their original postings.
Acting on these instructions, the District Health Authority ended the general duties of 70 employees and sent them back to their designated Basic Health Units. A recent development saw Johar Aqeel repatriated to his original posting at the Basic Health Unit Roopar Kalan.
However, a compliance gap remains. The audit report confirms that two male and two female employees are still performing general duties despite their official postings at BHUs, indicating that the issue is not fully resolved.
