By Imtiaz Hussain
KHAIRPUR: A report presented in court has revealed that Khairpur Civil Hospital spent Rs2.5 crore on firewood over the past two years, following the alleged theft of gas from the hospital’s kitchen.
According to hospital records submitted by MS Rafiq Mangi, gas worth Rs1.24 crore was used over the last ten years, whereas firewood costing Rs2.5 crore was consumed in just two years. The purchases followed the disconnection of the hospital’s gas connection.
The Sindh High Court Sukkur bench heard the bail applications of two contractors, Ashraf Ali and Sikandar Sheikh, and a hospital clerk, Alhadad Lakho, in a case filed by Sui Southern Gas Company.
The case includes Rs15lakh in arrears and a Rs23 lakh fine for gas theft. MS Rafiq Mangi told the court that gas was being stolen while fake firewood bills were being prepared simultaneously. The court noted that the hospital received gas bills of only around Rs2lakh per month, which were unpaid, while firewood worth crores was being purchased.
The hospital administration confirmed that fire was required in the kitchen and other departments, and all firewood purchase vouchers are available. The court ordered the hospital administration to submit all firewood bills at the next hearing and adjourned the case until 15 January.
