Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) has urged the Sindh government to take swift action following a shocking audit report revealing financial irregularities worth nearly Rs40 billion at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD). TIP sent a formal letter to Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah calling for immediate measures.
The audit, conducted by the Director General of Audit Sindh, uncovered 42 serious irregularities during the fiscal year 2023-24 at NICVD, one of Sindh’s main public hospitals providing free cardiac treatment. The report highlighted issues like unauthorized salary payments, flawed recruitment, and procurement violations.
Significant concerns were raised about senior appointments at NICVD, including posts like Chief Financial Officer and Head of Human Resources. Many of these officials received salaries exceeding Rs8 million per year, far above the public sector limits. These salary irregularities alone accounted for Rs170 million.
Additionally, the audit revealed excessive spending on staff mess and hospitality amounting to over Rs10 million without proper approvals or competitive bidding. Contracts were also awarded in violation of Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules. Large undocumented cash withdrawals suggested possible misuse of funds.
The report further exposed weak financial controls within NICVD, leaving the institution open to fraud and corruption. The management reportedly failed to provide critical records related to surgeries, donations, and funds from the NICVD Welfare Trust despite multiple auditor requests.
In response, an NICVD spokesperson stated that the audit’s remarks are preliminary. They emphasized that NICVD and other relevant bodies must submit explanations and cautioned against assuming misconduct before the final investigation concludes. Meanwhile, TIP has called for the suspension of involved officials and a thorough forensic audit to ensure transparency.