NICVD Karachi rebuts audit observations as inquiry committee reviews irregularities
KARACHI: The National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD), Karachi, has issued a formal rebuttal to recent audit‑based allegations and the subsequent inquiry initiated by the Sindh Health Department. The institute denied all claims of financial misconduct, describing them as “misleading, premature, and contrary to facts.”
On July 1, 2025, the Secretary of the Health Department, under directives from the Sindh Minister for Health & Population Welfare, constituted a two‑member inquiry committee to examine the Audit Report 2023–24 observations by the Director General Audit Sindh. The committee—chaired by the Additional Secretary (General), Health Department, with the Deputy Secretary (Admn‑I) as member/secretary—has been tasked to submit its findings and recommendations within 15 days. Its primary focus will be on alleged irregularities in the appointment of officers at NICVD, excessive payments and expenditure, questionable procurement and financial practices, as highlighted in Transparency International Pakistan’s complaint dated June 13, 2024.
In its press release, NICVD emphasized that audit observations are routine queries intended to enhance transparency, not final determinations of wrongdoing. The institute clarified that many referenced audit paragraphs relate to appointments from 2017–2018, predating the tenure of the current Executive Director, Prof. Dr. Tahir Saghir, who assumed office in November 2023.
“Presenting audit observations as conclusive proof of financial misconduct without proper context or investigation is irresponsible and damages public trust,” the NICVD statement read. “We are fully cooperating with the Health Department’s inquiry committee and will provide authenticated records and explanations for every audit observation.”
NICVD reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to delivering high‑quality, free cardiac care nationwide and pledged to expand services despite the controversy.
As the inquiry unfolds, stakeholders across Sindh’s healthcare sector will closely monitor the committee’s report, which could set important precedents for financial governance and institutional accountability in publicly funded health institutions.
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