Punjab Health Department Transfer Scam: Fake Calls Demand Bribes for Transfers

In Punjab’s Health Department, a major fraud has been uncovered involving fake calls demanding bribes in exchange for employee transfers. The issue has been ongoing for the past year, with individuals applying for transfers through an online portal launched during the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government’s tenure. The portal, monitored by the Health Information and Services Delivery Unit under the supervision of the Secretary and Additional Secretary of Health, allows department employees to apply for transfers.

Sources within the Health Department revealed that fraudsters have been taking advantage of the online application system. After an employee applies for a transfer, they receive a phone call claiming to be from the department. The caller informs them that their transfer order will only be processed if they pay a bribe. The amount demanded varies based on the employee’s grade; for instance, nurses or doctors may be asked to pay between 3 to 5 lakh rupees. Unsuspecting applicants, believing that such practices are normal within the department, transfer the money, and the transfer order is processed within a couple of days.

The fraud was exposed when a senior department officer received a fake call demanding money, despite already having a confirmed transfer order. Upon investigation, it was discovered that similar fraudulent activities had been taking place for over a year, with many individuals falling victim to these scam calls.

Additional Secretary of Health (Admin), Muhammad Hussain Rana, confirmed receiving multiple complaints about such scams since joining the position two months ago. He revealed that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been alerted, and numbers involved in the fraud have been handed over for investigation. FIA is now working to track down the perpetrators.

Rana also mentioned that the department plans to add a list of verified numbers to the online portal to prevent future scams. However, according to FIA officials, tracing the fraudulent calls has proven difficult as the numbers trace back to locations in Muradabad or Afghanistan, complicating the investigation. Despite these challenges, authorities are determined to resolve the issue soon.