Sindh High Court has ordered a detailed report within two weeks regarding the controversial Rs2.133 billion procurement of robotic surgery systems for Liaquat University Hospital.
The order was issued by a division bench comprising Justices Adnanul Karim Memon and Zulfiqar Ali Sangi during the hearing of public-interest petitions challenging the acquisition of robotic systems for Liaquat University Hospital and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre.
The petitions were filed by Khawar Mehmood Afridi through advocates Asim Iqbal and Farmanullah, alleging large-scale embezzlement involving government officials and private contractors.
Respondents in the case include:
- Sindh Health Secretary
- M/s Ontech Corporation
- Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad/Jamshoro
- Markham Finisher FZE
- The Sindh Public Procurement Regulatory Authority
According to the petition, although Rs2.133 billion had reportedly been sanctioned for robotic systems, no such equipment had been procured.
The court was informed that the medical superintendent of Liaquat University Hospital had written to the Sindh health secretary, stating the hospital was facing shortages of essential life-saving equipment, increasing patient pressure, and high bed occupancy.
The correspondence reportedly suggested reallocating the funds toward upgrading critical hospital facilities instead of purchasing expensive robotic systems due to financial limitations and the absence of trained staff to operate the technology.
Petitioner’s counsel also alleged major irregularities in the bidding process, claiming the actual cost of a robotic system was around $37,500, while the procurement price had allegedly been inflated significantly.
Additional allegations included demands for third-party payments to a Dubai-based company, raising concerns of possible money laundering and official collusion.
The court was further informed that former caretaker health minister Saad Khalid Niaz had earlier halted a separate Rs4.427 billion deal involving four robotic systems.
The hospital administration also confirmed that the National Accountability Bureau had sought details of the robotic surgery project in February 2024.
Observing what it termed the “apathy” of respondents, the court issued notices to all concerned parties and directed them to appear at the next hearing.
The petitioner has requested the court to cancel the entire tendering process and restrain the authorities from making further payments in connection with the procurement.
