Pakistan, Oct. 30 -- An audit report has revealed costly purchases of medicines and medical supplies under Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Sehat Card Plus programme. It also highlighted financial irregularities that could increase pressure on public funds.

The report found a major gap between government procurement discounts and purchases by participating hospitals. Government departments can secure discounts of up to 70% when buying medicines. However, Sehat Card Plus hospitals received discounts of only 15%.

According to the audit, hospitals linked to the programme bypassed the central procurement system. Instead, they purchased medicines and medical supplies from local suppliers at higher prices. This practice raised concerns about procurement ...