By Asim Shahzad
The Public Accounts Committee-III (PAC) of the Punjab Assembly on Tuesday reviewed audit reports of 17 District Health Authorities of South Punjab for the audit year 2018–19, during a meeting chaired by Ahmed Iqbal Chaudhry.
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A total of 599 audit paragraphs were examined. The committee issued directions on 123 audit paragraphs involving an amount of Rs 838.609 million.
Out of these, 105 audit paragraphs were recommended for disposal after verification of complete recoveries. Three audit paragraphs were settled on the spot, while four were kept pending until the conclusion of related court proceedings. Seven audit paragraphs were referred to the administrative department for further investigation, with instructions to submit a detailed report within 45 days.
The committee also reviewed cases of irregular expenditure amounting to Rs 727.748 million arising from improper procurement practices and violations of PPRA rules. Expressing strong displeasure over the lack of transparency, the committee summoned officers posted in Bahawalnagar during the relevant period to explain the irregularities.
In addition, the PAC directed the health department to formulate uniform Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for consultants’ working hours to ensure consistency, accountability, and improved service delivery across public health facilities.
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#PunjabAssembly
#PublicAccountsCommittee
#HealthSectorAudit
#SouthPunjab
#ProcurementIrregularities
#GoodGovernance
#PublicInterest
#Accountability
