The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet was informed on Monday that recruitment on 118 vacant posts of paramedics in Federal Government Services Hospital (FGSH) was not transparent, hence appointment of a few members were cancelled. The committee, which met with Senator Kulsoom Parveen in the chair, was also informed that former Executive Director (ED) of FGSH, Dr Shaukat H Kiyani had issued appointment letters to a few persons and set aside other applications.
The committee, while expressing dissatisfaction over the criteria set for the appointment of paramedics, said that such type of irregularities may be pointed out at any stage in future for which the current administration will be held responsible. The committee directed the ministry to revisit the policy and make appointments purely on merit. Secretary Capital Administration and Development (CAD) Shaigan Shareef Malik, while requesting the committee to allow him for revisiting the appointment of paramedic staff in FGSH, accepted that there are some flaws in appointment process of paramedics (BPS-9) and the former ED of the hospital had issued appointment letters to few of his dear ones and totally neglected others.
The secretary told the committee that the diploma, which was demanded, was not issued by any proper department or authority so all people will be appointed on bogus diplomas. The committee also expressed dissatisfaction over purchase of medicine by the administration of FGHS. It was informed that fake and spurious medicines were supplied to the hospital and those are also at very high rates.
Dr Durdana of the FGSH informed the committee that suppliers of medicines are charging 100 percent higher prices from the hospital, saying that all medicines are providing at higher rates as compared to prevailing market prices. Senator Mushahidullah asked the committee to refer the case to FIA for proper investigation.
The committee was informed that the hospital offer bidding for medicine supply but only a single bid received, which was against the PPRA rule. But Secretary CAD informed the committee that he is ready to accept single proprietor bidding subject to the condition that it fulfil the requirements.
The committee asked the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to give the Argentina Park adjacent to FGSH (Polyclinic Hospital) either free of cost or in nominal price, as numbers of patients in the Polyclinic hospital have increased manifolds and the existing building is unable to meet the ever increasing demand. Member Planning CDA Mustafain Kazmi informed the committee that there is strict instruction of Supreme Court about status of Public Park in the federal capital. He said the SC clearly directed that public parks should be remained intact and its characteristics should not be changed. This plot will cost Rs 55 million, if the park is converted into hospital building.