NICVD boss dismisses corruption charges
Speaking to The Express Tribune, Prof. Saghir said that the NICVD provides free treatment to over 2,000 patients daily, including 35-40 emergency angioplasties, alongside 1,000-1,200 emergency cases and 800-1,000 OPD visits. "This is a high-volume centre, and our teams work day and night to serve patients," he added.
About corruption charges, Prof Saghir clarified that the NICVD undergoes both government and private audits annually. While audit objections are routine, he said that all queries are responded to with detailed explanations.
He highlighted procurement reforms, saying that previously only 20-30% of medical supplies were acquired through tenders, whereas now over 90% of purchases are processed via the Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (SPPRA) digital system, minimising human intervention. "This data is also shared with international bodies, including the IMF," he added.
Refuting a human rights report alleging Rs40 billion in corruption, Prof Saghir pointed out that the NICVD's total annual budget is only Rs9 billion. "Where did the extra Rs31 billion come from? Yet, surgeries and medicines continued uninterrupted," he questioned, terming the accusations baseless and malicious.
He cited Sindh government recognition of the institute's performance, which led to an increased budget after NICVD saved Rs1 billion last year, followed by an additional Rs2 billion allocation.
Prof Saghir provided an example of emergency decision-making, explaining that when the main A/C unit in the emergency ward failed, the administration hired temporary cooling systems for Rs200,000-250,000 to ensure patient comfort, bypassing lengthy tender procedures.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- Express Tribune
PHA enforces smoking ban in parks
The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has begun strict enforcement of a smoking ban in parks in Lahore, following a province-wide directive issued by the Punjab government to curb tobacco use in public spaces. Acting on the instructions of the government and the housing department, the PHA is installing "No Smoking" signage at the entrances, exits, and various locations in the parks. Director General Mansoor Ahmad confirmed that any citizen found violating the ban will be handed over to the police and face legal action under the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance, 2002. "This initiative aims to promote a clean, healthy, and family-friendly environment in our city's recreational spaces," said Ahmad. He appealed to citizens to cooperate with the PHA and respect the rules designed to safeguard public health. The Punjab Housing Department has declared all parks in the province smoke-free zones. A notification prohibits not only smoking but also the sale and advertisement of tobacco and nicotine products, in parks across Punjab. Under the directive, the PHAs throughout the province had been given 10 days to install "No Smoking" signs and begin enforcement. Offenders face fines of up to Rs1,000 for a first violation, with stricter penalties for repeat offences. Park officials are authorised to evict violators from park premises, while enforcement officers may initiate legal proceedings under Section 12 of the tobacco control ordinance. The ban applies to all forms of tobacco, including emerging nicotine products. Kiosks, food stalls, and vendors within park areas are barred from selling cigarettes, vapes, or related products.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Express Tribune
Punjab govt outlaws tobacco-use in parks
Listen to article The Punjab government has declared all public parks across the province smoke-free zones, banning the use, sale, and promotion of tobacco and nicotine products under the federal anti-tobacco law. A notification issued by the provincial housing department extends the enforcement of the Prohibition of Smoking and Protection of Non-Smokers Health Ordinance, 2002, to recreational parks. The ordinance prohibits smoking in public spaces and restricts the sale and advertisement of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes. Under the directive, all Parks and Horticulture Authorities (PHAs) in Punjab have been instructed to install 'No smoking' signage within 10 days and begin strict enforcement. Offenders can face fines of up to Rs1,000 for a first violation, with harsher penalties for repeat offences. Park staff are empowered to eject violators, and designated enforcement officers may pursue legal action under Section 12 of the ordinance. Kiosks, food outlets, and vending stalls within parks are now barred from selling cigarettes, vapes, or other tobacco-related products. The new policy targets both traditional and emerging nicotine products, aiming to curb use especially among minors and urban youth. Health officials referred to the potential of the move to reduce second-hand smoke exposure and discourage smoking in family-oriented spaces. 'This is a welcome initiative,' said Amina Tariq, a mother of two visiting the Jilani Park. 'Parks should offer a clean and safe environment, not only for recreation but for promoting healthy habits in our children.' According to experts, tobacco use is responsible for an estimated 164,000 deaths annually in the country and costs the national economy roughly Rs700 billion each year in healthcare expenditures and productivity losses. The industry contributed Rs298 billion in tax revenue last year. Pakistan ratified the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2004. Despite this, implementation remains inconsistent, particularly regarding taxation, marketing restrictions, and regulation of newer products. There are no federal regulations governing e-cigarette use even as usage surges. A 2023 multi-city survey found that 43 per cent of urban youth reported current e-cigarette use, with many introduced through influencer campaigns lacking health warnings or age restrictions.
Express Tribune
24-07-2025
- Express Tribune
Children's Hospital staff unpaid for 4 months
Over 400 employees at the Sindh Government Children's Hospital in Karachi, operated under a public-private partnership, have reportedly gone unpaid for the past four months. Staff members have warned the administration that if their salaries are not disbursed by August, they will launch protest demonstrations. Speaking to The Express Tribune, hospital administrators confirmed the delay in salary payments. They assured that pending dues would be cleared next month, adding that the hospital's budget is currently in process and expected to be released within the coming week. The Sindh Government Children's Hospital was inaugurated in 2004 by former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Initially managed by the provincial health department, the hospital began as a 50-bed facility built on 16 acres of land. Despite its promising start, the hospital has long struggled with poor infrastructure, limited services, and frequent staff protests. In 2013, a new building was constructed with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), making it a unique facility among pediatric hospitals in the city. At the time, the provincial government allocated Rs100 million annually, allowing the hospital to offer extended services into the night. However, in October 2016, management of the hospital was handed over to a non-governmental organization (NGO) under a public-private partnership agreement. The annual budget was subsequently increased to Rs440 million. According to the health department, the hospital will continue to operate under this arrangement until October 2026, after which its future will be reviewed. Since the transition to private management, the hospital has faced repeated delays in salary disbursements, leading to at least ten staff strikes and multiple temporary shutdowns. Between 2004 and 2025, the hospital has failed to conduct any major pediatric surgeries and primarily treats common childhood illnesses. Currently, over 300 staff members work under the NGO, while 65 employees-including the Medical Superintendent-remain under the provincial health department's jurisdiction. Rabia, a parent visiting the facility, told reporters that children with complex medical conditions are routinely referred to the National Institute of Child Health (NICH) or Civil Hospital, as the Children's Hospital lacks the surgical infrastructure to treat complicated pediatric cases.
