By Anees Takar
CHARSADDA: A major administrative and financial scandal has come to light at Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital Shabqadar, exposing long-standing absenteeism among medical staff, questionable financial practices, and alleged misuse of authority. The revelations have been formally reported to the Health Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following an inquiry led by District Health Officer (DHO) Charsadda, Dr. Waseeullah.
According to details shared by Dr. Zeeshan, Focal Person of the DHO Charsadda, several doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff had remained absent from duty for months—and in some cases years—while continuing to draw regular salaries. The matter came to light after reports submitted by the Deputy Medical Superintendent (DMS), concerned doctors, and the Nursing Supervisor, supported by payroll records for October 2025.
Among those identified as long-term absentees are Dr. Sayar, Senior Medical Officer; Dr. Ghazan Khan, Medical Officer; Dr. Hujratullah, Medical Officer, absent since October 11, 2024; and Dr. Tufail Ahmed, Medical Officer, absent since January 17, 2023. Dr. Saima Rehat, a BS-17 Dental Surgeon, was reportedly abroad and absent since August 8, 2025, while continuing to receive her salary. Similarly, Charge Nurse Ms. Aliya Ghani had remained absent for the past two years but was still drawing pay.
The inquiry further revealed that Dr. Asad Khan, Medical Officer, had been abroad for the past four months while receiving full salary and allowances, and Dr. Muhammad Amjad, Principal Medical Officer (BS-19), was also reported to be absent or abroad but continued to receive salary. Another serious irregularity involved Dr. Mustajab Begum, Woman Medical Officer (BS-17), who was transferred from THQ Hospital Shabqadar to NKBM Hospital Peshawar in November 2024 and had formally relinquished charge. Despite her salary being stopped in 2024, she reportedly continued to receive salary from THQ Shabqadar.
Following these findings, DHO Charsadda Dr. Waseeullah personally conducted an investigation and submitted a detailed report to the Secretary Health, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. As an immediate corrective measure, salaries of all absentee employees who have not rejoined duty have been stopped.
The investigation also raised serious concerns over the Hospital Management Committee (HMC) account. Financial records from January 2025 to September 2025 show that while the total balance in September 2025 stood at Rs 2,037,463, expenditures during the same month amounted to Rs 1,998,500, leaving a remaining balance of only Rs 4,019. Authorities have sought a detailed explanation and justification for these expenditures.
In another significant development, allegations against Dr. Mahmood Jan, Medical Officer and DMS, were substantiated. He was found to be referring patients to private laboratories through an alternative OPD gate, allegedly for personal benefit. As a result, Dr. Mahmood Jan has been removed from the post of DMS, the unauthorized OPD gate has been sealed, and strict instructions have been issued to prevent such practices in the future.
Health officials and civil society circles have lauded DHO Charsadda Dr. Waseeullah for his courage, integrity, and transparent handling of the matter. The case has highlighted deep-rooted governance issues in the public health sector and is expected to prompt further action at the provincial level as the Health Department reviews the findings and determines disciplinary proceedings.
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