SUKKUR: The Sindh High Court, Sukkur Bench, has strongly reprimanded senior officials of the provincial Health Department for their failure to comply with court directives regarding the procurement of medicines and medical equipment under the Central Rate Contract System (CRCS).
During the hearing of multiple constitutional petitions — D-965/2024, D-1819/2025, and D-2016/2024 — the Court expressed its displeasure over the “disinterest, inefficiency, and ignorance” of government officers, particularly the Additional Secretary and focal persons of the Health Department. The bench noted that despite holding sensitive and responsible assignments, the officers had demonstrated “inability and incapacity” in fulfilling their duties.
The Court was particularly critical of the Secretary Health Sindh, who failed to attend proceedings or submit compliance reports as ordered. It was observed that neither the Chief Secretary Sindh nor his designated focal person had responded to queries or provided the required documentation related to the Central Rate Contract System for the last five years.
The judges pointed out a possible violation of the Supreme Court’s judgment in the appointment of the current Secretary Health, noting that the position is meant to be of BS-21 grade, while the officer currently posted belongs to BS-20.
The Court ordered the Chief Secretary Sindh to personally appear at the next hearing on November 7, 2025, along with detailed compliance reports. These reports must include:
Cost details of medicine and equipment procurements under CRCS for the past five years,
Lists of successful bidders and pharmaceutical companies with ownership details, and Grievances of other contractors, if any.
Copies of the order were directed to be sent to the Chief Secretary, Additional Advocate General, and Deputy Commissioner Sukkur for compliance.
The case will be take n up again on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m.
