PESHAWAR – A major corruption scandal has rocked the healthcare sector in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a mega-theft of medical equipment, valued at over Rs45 million, surfaced at the Peshawar Institute of Cardiology (PIC).
The breach occurred within the hospital’s central store, where high-value cardiac supplies—intended for life-saving procedures—were systematically siphoned off.
The Investigation & Arrests
Hospital management uncovered the missing inventory during a recent internal audit. Following a swift investigation, authorities identified four employees allegedly involved in the heist. Acting on a formal report by PIC Director Qazi Saadullah, the Hayatabad Police registered a First Information Report (FIR) and took the suspects into custody.
Key details of the crackdown include:
- Primary Suspect: Police identified the central figure as Abubakar, a resident of Safid Dheri.
- Immediate Action: PIC Spokesperson Rifat Anjum confirmed that the administration has terminated all four employees and initiated strict departmental proceedings.
- Police Custody: The suspects remain behind bars as investigators trace the distribution network of the stolen goods.
Modus Operandi: Boxes Emptied, Seals Broken
Sources within the hospital revealed a calculated and sophisticated method of theft. The accused reportedly breached the packaging of medical supplies, carefully removing the expensive equipment while leaving the boxes behind to avoid immediate detection.
The stolen inventory primarily consists of:
- Angioplasty kits
- Cardiac Stents
- High-end disposable medical instruments
While the preliminary estimate stands at Rs 45 million, hospital sources indicate that the final figure may rise once a comprehensive audit and detailed inquiry conclude.
Public Impact and Recovery
Most of the stolen items were government-funded supplies meant to be provided to heart patients free of cost or at subsidized rates. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspects sold the stolen goods across various markets in Peshawar.
“The hospital management remains committed to a transparent investigation. We will expose every individual involved in this breach of trust,” stated the PIC spokesperson.
Business as Usual for Patients
Despite the massive scale of the theft, the PIC administration assures the public that patient care remains the top priority. The spokesperson emphasized that treatment, emergency services, and cardiac surgeries continue without interruption, ensuring that the criminal actions of a few do not hinder life-saving operations for the citizens.
