Islamabad, During an unexpected visit to Ghulam Mohammad Mahar Civil Hospital, Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar, announced the suspension of the hospital’s Medical Superintendent and Director Finance, and dissolved its governing body. Furthermore, he mandated a forensic audit of the hospital’s financials through the Anti-Corruption Establishment, aiming to uncover potential malpractices and administrative mismanagement.
According to a news release by Sindh CM House, the Chief Minister’s visit took place on Tuesday morning, with him starting his day at the Ghulam Mohammad Mahar Medical Hospital, commonly referred to as the Civil Hospital in Sukkur. Accompanying him were his Principal Secretary Hassan Naqvi, and Secretary of Health, Dr. Mansoor Rizvi. During his rounds, the CM engaged with patients across various wards, including the ICU, Operation Theatres, Pharmacy/medicine store, and Paediatric wards, gathering feedback about the hospital’s services.
Justice Baqar noted a lack of proactive oversight, observing that no substantial inspection had been conducted by senior hospital staff or relevant officers to enhance the facility’s performance. In the outpatient department (OPD), he noticed both male and female patients sharing spaces, even though there were resources available to segregate them. The hospital administration was unable to present essential records, prompting the Chief Minister to suspend the Director Finance and initiate a formal inquiry.
A further inspection of the hospital kitchen revealed substandard conditions, with no evidence of regular meal preparations for the patients. The lack of utensils and the absence of proper records for local purchases led the CM to suspend the services of the hospital’s Medical Superintendent.
Upon interacting with the Principal of the Ghulam Mohammad Mahar Medical College Hospital, who also chairs the hospital’s governing body, the Chief Minister cited the principal’s failure in monitoring responsibilities. This resulted in the dissolution of the governing body and directives for a comprehensive forensic audit.
The Chief Minister’s surprise checks didn’t stop there. Accompanied by Minister of Home, Brig (retd) Haris Nawaz, he visited Police Station C-Section and observed deteriorating conditions, exacerbated by recent heavy rains. Expressing his dissatisfaction with the state of the police station, he urged the police force to combat drug mafias, organized crime, and restore public faith.
At the end of his rounds, Justice Baqar paid a visit to Darul Aman, where he found 24 inmates living in unsatisfactory conditions. Responding to their grievances and observing the subpar conditions, he directed immediate improvements, asking for renovations and enhancements to create a better living environment.