The Punjab Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee-I (PAC-I) has ordered an inquiry into alleged financial irregularities worth Rs. 145 million in a medicine supply contract awarded to a local pharmaceutical company for a government hospital during the previous government’s tenure.
According to an audit report, the contract was allegedly awarded in violation of procurement rules to a company that lacked the required experience to supply medicines.
The report revealed that the company took one year to deliver medicines despite a contractual requirement to complete the supply within three months.
During the proceedings, the committee rejected the Health Department’s explanation that the delay was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
PAC-I directed the inquiry officer to investigate how a company allegedly lacking the required experience secured the contract and whether it fulfilled the prescribed eligibility criteria.
The committee also ordered an investigation into alleged undue concessions granted to the company and directed officials to identify those responsible for any violations of procurement rules.
The inquiry will examine the contract award process, the company’s eligibility, the reasons behind the delayed supply, and why appropriate action was not taken over the missed deadline.
The committee’s findings will help determine whether procurement rules were violated and establish responsibility for any confirmed irregularities. No wrongdoing by the company or any individual has been established at this stage.
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