Audit report flags missing Cardiology equipment at Mayo hospital Lahore

LAHORE: An annual audit of the Department of Cardiology at Mayo Hospital Lahore has identified serious irregularities involving the hospital’s inventory of coronary stents and angioplasty balloons. According to the audit report, medical equipment worth more than Rs. 22 million has been reported missing from official records, prompting the hospital administration to initiate a formal investigation into the matter.

The audit revealed that 232 coronary stents , valued at approximately Rs. 11.3 million, could not be accounted for during the inventory review. In addition, 1,059 angioplasty balloons, worth around Rs. 11 million were also found to be missing from the department’s official stock records. The findings have raised concerns about inventory management and the possible misuse of costly medical devices used in life-saving cardiac procedures.

In response to the audit findings, the Mayo Hospital administration constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the matter thoroughly. The notification for the formation of the committee was issued on July 3, 2026, by the hospital’s Medical Superintendent (MS) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The committee has been tasked with examining the audit findings, reviewing inventory records, interviewing relevant staff members, and determining whether any rules or procedures were violated.

According to the audit report, allegations have been made against a registrar in the Department of Cardiology, who is suspected of having a role in the disappearance of the missing stents and balloons. The report further claims that the registrar allegedly sold government-owned stents and angioplasty balloons to private hospitals. These allegations are currently under investigation and have not yet been proven.

The audit also alleges that the registrar attempted to influence the inquiry process and interfere with official proceedings in an effort to delay or halt the investigation. These claims have added another layer of seriousness to the case, as any attempt to obstruct an official inquiry could lead to additional disciplinary or legal consequences if established through evidence.

Despite the allegations, the audit report clearly states that the investigation remains ongoing and that no final determination of responsibility has yet been made. Hospital authorities emphasized that accountability will only be established after the inquiry committee completes its investigation and submits its findings. Until then, all allegations remain subject to verification through due process.

Commenting on the issue, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Mayo Hospital, Dr. Abdul Mudabbir Rehan, claimed that he has become the target of pressure and intimidation after exposing the alleged corruption. He stated that instead of supporting efforts to improve transparency, certain individuals have attempted to undermine his position.

Dr. Rehan further alleged that some office-bearers of the Young Doctors Association (YDA) had tried to pressure him and even threatened to have him removed from his job. According to him, these actions were intended to discourage efforts aimed at uncovering irregularities within the hospital system.

Reaffirming his commitment to accountability, Dr. Rehan said he would continue to uphold the principles of merit, transparency, and patient welfare regardless of external pressure. He stressed that public hospitals have a responsibility to safeguard government resources and ensure that essential medical equipment is used solely for the benefit of patients.

The inquiry committee is expected to complete its investigation in accordance with hospital regulations. Its findings will determine whether disciplinary action or legal proceedings are warranted against any individuals found responsible. The outcome of the inquiry will also play an important role in strengthening accountability and improving inventory management practices within one of Pakistan’s largest public healthcare institutions.