Drug theft ring stealing government medicines from JPMC uncovered in Karachi

Drug theft ring stealing government medicines from JPMC busted

KARACHI: A group allegedly involved in the systematic theft of government-issued medicines from Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) has been uncovered in Karachi, raising serious concerns about accountability and drug security at one of Pakistan’s largest public hospitals.

Sources confirmed that medicines worth hundreds of thousands of rupees were being stolen every month, depriving patients of free treatment and misusing public healthcare resources.

Two hospital employees arrested with stolen medicines

According to hospital sources, two members of the suspected theft ring were caught red-handed along with a vehicle loaded with stolen medicines. Both suspects are government employees of Jinnah Hospital, officials confirmed.

Security staff detained the suspects after intercepting a Hiace vehicle carrying government-issued medicines. The vehicle was taken into custody, while the accused were confined at the hospital’s security post for initial questioning.

Suspects identified, interrogation underway

Sources identified the arrested employees as Shoaib and Khawar. One of the suspects is posted in the gynecology department, while the other serves in the emergency ward, indicating that access to sensitive medicine supplies may have been exploited.

People also read: Prof Khalid Sher appointed as new JPMC executive director

Hospital authorities have confirmed that further interrogation is underway to determine the scale of the theft and whether additional staff members were involved.

Five-member inquiry committee formed

In response to the incident, the JPMC administration has ordered the immediate formation of a five-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter in detail.

You may like to read: JPMC faces acute shortage of beds and ventilators, putting patients at risk

The committee has been instructed to submit its findings within 24 hours. Based on the inquiry report, hospital sources said, a formal case will be registered at the relevant police station under applicable laws.

Concerns over patient access and system safeguards

Healthcare experts say theft of government medicines not only results in financial losses to the public exchequer, but also directly affects patients who rely on free medicines at public hospitals like JPMC.

The incident has renewed calls for stronger inventory controls, digital tracking of medicines, and stricter oversight within public healthcare institutions to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Stay informed and protect your health!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN Medical News Pakistan on WhatsApp for expert tips, health updates, and the latest medical research straight to your phone.