Sindh High Court Probes Rs2.13bn Robotic Surgery Deal

Robotic Surgery Procurement Under Judicial Scrutiny

The Sindh High Court has directed provincial authorities to submit a detailed report within two weeks regarding the controversial Rs2.13 billion procurement of robotic surgery systems for Liaquat University Hospital. The order was issued by a division bench comprising Justices Adnanul Karim Memon and Zulfiqar Ali Sangi during hearings on public-interest petitions challenging the deal.

The petitions, filed by Khawar Mehmood Afridi through advocates Asim Iqbal and Farmanullah, allege large-scale embezzlement involving government officials and private contractors. Respondents include the Sindh Health Secretary, Ontech Corporation, Liaquat University Hospital, Markham Finisher FZE, and the Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority.

According to the petition, although Rs2.13 billion was sanctioned for robotic systems, no equipment has been procured. The hospital’s medical superintendent reportedly wrote to the Sindh Health Secretary highlighting shortages of essential life-saving equipment, rising patient pressure, and high bed occupancy, suggesting that funds should instead be reallocated to upgrade critical facilities.

The petitioners also alleged major irregularities in the bidding process, claiming the actual cost of a robotic system is around $37,500, while procurement prices were inflated significantly. Additional concerns include demands for third-party payments to a Dubai-based company, raising suspicions of money laundering and collusion.

The court was informed that former caretaker health minister Saad Khalid Niaz had previously halted a separate Rs4.42 billion deal involving four robotic systems. Furthermore, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had already sought details of the project in February 2024.

Observing what it termed the “apathy” of respondents, the court issued notices to all concerned parties and directed them to appear at the next hearing. Petitioners have requested the court to cancel the tendering process and restrain authorities from making further payments related to the procurement.

This case underscores growing concerns about transparency, accountability, and resource allocation in Pakistan’s healthcare sector, especially when hospitals face shortages of basic medical equipment while billions are earmarked for advanced technologies without proper planning or trained staff.