NAB Investigates Procurement Practices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Medical Teaching Institutions

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has initiated a comprehensive review of procurement procedures within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) medical teaching institutions (MTIs). This move aims to identify and rectify potential irregularities, ensuring that public funds are utilized effectively and transparently.

In a recent communication, NAB requested that key officials from four prominent MTIs—Mardan Medical Complex, Bacha Khan Medical Complex in Swabi, Khyber Teaching Hospital in Peshawar, and Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar—prepare detailed presentations outlining their current procurement processes. These presentations are scheduled for February 13 and will be conducted via video link to facilitate comprehensive discussions.

The focus of these presentations will be to:

• Provide an overview of existing procurement procedures in line with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (KPPRA) guidelines.
• Highlight any challenges, observations, or complaints related to procurement activities within the MTIs.
• Identify instances of non-compliance with KPPRA rules, if any.
• Propose actionable measures to address and resolve identified issues.

This initiative underscores NAB’s commitment to its awareness and prevention mandate, aiming to proactively identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in public sector operations. By engaging directly with MTI officials, NAB seeks to foster a collaborative approach to enhancing procurement transparency and accountability.

However, some officials have raised concerns regarding the selection of personnel for these presentations. For instance, the chairman of the Board of Governors at Mardan Medical Complex and the director of Bacha Khan Medical Complex have only recently assumed their roles and may not possess comprehensive insights into past procurement activities. Similarly, at Hayatabad Medical Complex, procurement responsibilities traditionally fall under the purview of the hospital director, yet the medical director has been invited to participate.

Despite these concerns, the initiative is seen as a timely intervention to address procurement challenges within KP’s healthcare institutions. Given that MTIs handle substantial procurements of medicines, equipment, and medical supplies, ensuring transparency is crucial not only for safeguarding public funds but also for maintaining the quality of patient care.

By identifying and addressing procurement inefficiencies, NAB aims to enhance the operational integrity of these institutions, ultimately benefiting the patients who rely on their services.

This proactive approach reflects a broader commitment to good governance and the responsible management of public resources within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s healthcare sector.

#NABInvestigation #KhyberPakhtunkhwa #MedicalTeachingInstitutions #HealthcareTransparency #ProcurementAudit