Latiful Azam, Kishoreganj (Nilphamari)

An allegation of misappropriation of various allocations in health sector through irregularities and corruption has been made against Dr. Abu Shafi Mahmud, Kishoreganj Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer of Nilphamari.

Hundreds of local residents have complained to various offices of the relevant ministries including the District Civil Surgeon and Anti-Corruption Commission on Monday.

According to the complaint, the health officer, in return for favors, has been embezzling huge sums of money by appointing his favorite people as MSRs and subcontractors for 3 years. In the financial year 2020-21, he has pocketed the majority of the money allocated for the purchase of medicines and machinery.

Besides, there is a herbal garden in front of the health complex, but there is no herbal garden in the Union Sub-health Centers.

However, by showing the expenses for garden creation and maintenance, he has grabbed a large amount of money.

Meanwhile, in the fiscal year 2021-22, 6 lakh 85 thousand 120 taka has been allocated for the preparation of volunteers for covid 19 vaccination, transportation, travel expenses, purchase of health protection materials, cold chain management and vaccine delivery training, but they have looted the entire amount by spending only taka. MHVs participated in the vaccination program for 129 days during the Corona period. If they were to be paid an honorarium of 350 taka, each of them was given 30 taka 100 per day.

He also embezzled Tk 50,000 given by Social Services Office for Corona patients. Besides, without informing the stationery contractor, he forged his signature and withdrew Tk 83 thousand 250 of two additional bills on May 2021 and June 2021. Pulse oximeter machines were supposed to be provided to every community clinic but only 5 out of 35 clinics were provided.

Apart from this, he has deducted money from community clinic cleaning, drug transportation and stationery bills by showing different sectors and filled his own pocket.

Besides, Tk 18,000 have been allotted for the clothes of the fourth class employees, but only Tk 8,000 taka have been given to each of them.

By employing 245 MHVs through irregularities, they filled their pockets by deducting 600 taka from their salary each time. If you check the account in the name of the hospital in Sonali Bank adjacent to the health complex, you will find evidence of its corruption.

When contacted Kishoreganj Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Abu Shafi Mahmud, he said that the allegations made against him are not correct. I need to know the complaints.

There are explanations for these. He is the decision maker of everything when contacted, I am not the only one. Talk to those concerned. Come and talk to the meeting.

District Civil Surgeon Dr. Jahangir Kabir said, I have not yet received the copy of the complaint. If received, the matter will be investigated and action will be taken.