KARACHI: Information Commissioners of the Sindh Information Commission (SIC), Muhammad Saleem Khan and Noor Muhammad Dayo, visited the Sindh Government Services Hospital to review compliance with the Sindh Right to Information and Transparency Act, 2016.
During the visit, the Information Commissioners expressed displeasure over the non-functioning official website of the hospital and directed the Medical Superintendent to make it operational at the earliest, with mandatory proactive disclosures as required under Section 6 of the Act. They inspected the hospital’s record room, budget, details of doctors and paramedical staff, medicine store and other administrative matters.
The Commissioners also visited various wards and sections of the hospital, including the medical reimbursement section, and directed the administration to ensure proper preservation of records on a year-wise basis. They interacted with patients present in the physiotherapy and dental outpatient departments to inquire about the treatment facilities being provided.
Speaking on the occasion, Information Commissioner Muhammad Saleem Khan said that access to information is a fundamental right of every citizen and is protected under Article 19-A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He emphasized that under the RTI Act all government entities are legally bound to disclose information of public interest on their websites as part of proactive disclosure. He further stated that every government department and institution must appoint a designated officer of Grade 16 or above to function as a Public Information Officer.
Information Commissioner Noor Muhammad Dayo said that non-disclosure or concealment of information reflects poor governance and lack of transparency and carries penal consequences under Sections 15 and 16 of the Act. He directed that any change in the designated officer must be promptly reported to the Commission to keep official records updated, warning that non-compliance with directives of the Sindh Information Commission is also punishable under the law.
The Medical Superintendent of Services Hospital assured the Commissioners of full compliance with the directives of the SIC, stating that the hospital’s website would be activated within a month and a designated officer would be appointed accordingly.
