LAHORE:The Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department Punjab has issued a circular directing teaching hospitals, medical universities, medical colleges, and nursing institutions across the province to remain cautious of fraudulent elements.
According to the circular available with The News, some unidentified individuals are posing as influential government officials or departmental representatives and making phone calls to charge nurses. They are attempting to obtain illegal financial benefits under the pretext of facilitating transfers, leave approvals, resignations, and other service-related matters.
The circular states that the matter has come to the notice of the competent authority that calls are being made from fake mobile numbers to charge nurses. The callers create a false impression of official authority to deceive employees and demand bribes.
The suspicious mobile numbers identified include 03019035958, 03274137844, 03226406151, 03234352882, 03151029547, and 03064269929. One number, 03274137844, has been listed twice. The department clarified that the list is not exhaustive and such calls may also originate from other numbers.
The department has instructed all medical superintendents, vice chancellors, principals, deans, heads of nursing colleges, and the Director General Nursing Punjab to immediately disseminate this information to all charge nurses and nursing staff under their administration. Staff have been advised not to trust any unverified phone calls, offers, or assurances.
The circular further states that nursing staff must not transfer money or share any personal, official, or financial information. It emphasised that all matters related to transfers, leave approvals, resignations, and other service issues are handled strictly through authorised forums and official procedures.
Employees receiving such calls have been directed to immediately inform their respective medical superintendent or nursing superintendent so that an inquiry and legal action can be initiated.
The Punjab Health Department has directed all relevant institutions to ensure strict compliance with these instructions and to raise awareness among nursing staff to protect government employees from financial fraud and impersonation.
