https://arab.news/y3xaf
- Health officials find ‘discrepancies’ in the medical tests of workers planning to abroad at a Peshawar lab
- The authorities in KP have also filed a corruption case against the management of the medical facility
ISLAMABAD: A medical lab in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province has been sealed by health authorities, according to state-owned media on Friday, following surprise inspections of various facilities approved by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for the medical tests of workers aspiring to take up jobs in the region.
The GCC states play a crucial role in Pakistan’s cash-strapped economy by employing a significant number of workers who remit billions of dollars back to their homeland each year.
As part of the employment process, these workers are required to undergo medical examinations at dedicated labs approved by GCC authorities.
The KP health officials sealed the facility in Peshawar, saying they found “discrepancies” in the medical tests of workers planning to go abroad.
“During the inspection, the team reviewed laboratory facilities, verified records and checked staff credentials,” the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said in its report.
“Discrepancies were discovered in the lab results at the Medical Diagnostic Center, leading to its immediate closure,” it added.
APP also informed that a corruption case was subsequently referred to the provincial health care commission for investigation and legal action.
A significant number of Pakistani laborers, including drivers and construction workers, travel to the GCC region from Peshawar and its adjoining areas.
Pakistan has been trying to convince Gulf states to employ more of its workers as these countries work to diversify their economies and create new employment opportunities.