PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has said it would look into allegations of violation of merit during hiring at Hayatabad Medical Complex (HMC).
Sources alleged that the eligibility criteria for key management positions were altered after shortlisting to favour individuals linked to influential figures, raising questions about transparency and compliance with the MTI Act. The sources alleged that recruitment processes for several senior posts were influenced by personal connections, with changes made at different stages of the selection process to accommodate preferred candidates.
In one such case, the sources alleged that the criteria for the director of research post were revised to enable a candidate.Questions have also been raised over the appointment of the director nursing, saying that a candidate was selected nearly nine months after the position was advertised.
They pointed out that under the MTI Act, recruitment must be completed within six months or the position re-advertised, raising concerns over procedural compliance.The sources also flagged the appointment of the director supply chain, alleging the selected individual is relative of an influential figure who matters in the selection process. The sources alleged the result was altered after interviews.
The sources alleged that the eligibility criteria was revised after the pre-interview stage for appointment to post of the director finance. The sources also questioned the appointment of the medical director, alleging nepotism.
Senior doctors and representatives of medical bodies said the situation had caused serious concern within the institution and was formally taken up at a general body meeting. They warned that a protes, including a strike, could be launched if the appointments were not reviewed.
When contacted, Health Minister Khaleeq-ur-Rehman said the government would examine the matter, stating: “We will inquire into it.” The health secretary distanced the department from the controversy, saying: “We don’t interfere in these issues as they have their own Act.”
When reached for comments, BoG chairman Nurul Iman rejected the allegations of nepotism and favouritism, saying all appointments had been made strictly on merit.“Every appointment has been made on merit with no favours extended to anyone. It would be unfair and immoral to stigmatise a process based on merit because the selected candidate belonged to a particular area or tribe. Even then, if someone feels aggrieved, he or she can approach concerned legal forums for the redress,” he added.
