The Punjab Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee-I (PAC-I) has ordered an investigation into alleged financial irregularities involving a medicine supply contract worth Rs145 million. This contract was awarded to a local pharmaceutical company for a government hospital during the tenure of the previous government.
An audit report claims the contract was granted in violation of procurement rules to a firm that lacked the necessary experience. While the agreement required the company to complete the supply within three months, it took one year to deliver the medicines.
PAC-I rejected the Health Department’s explanation that the COVID-19 pandemic caused the delay. Officials must also identify those responsible for any procurement rule violations and investigate whether the company received undue concessions.
The inquiry will examine the award process, the company's eligibility, the reasons for the delayed supply, and why no action was taken over the missed deadline. No wrongdoing by any individual or the company has been established at this stage.
