Strict Action Against Fake Medical Bills: Sindh Government’s New Directive–Sindh Government Notification

Sindh Government Takes Action Against Fake Medical Reimbursement Claims:

In a recent development, the Government of Sindh has taken strict notice of the rising cases of fraudulent medical reimbursement claims within government departments. The Services, General Administration & Coordination Department (SGA&CD) has observed an alarming increase in fake hospital bills and fabricated payment receipts, leading to financial losses of public funds.

According to the official notification, the Chief Secretary, Sindh has directed all administrative departments and their field offices to strictly adhere to the guidelines and policies issued by the Finance Department. The notification emphasizes the importance of verifying hospital bills directly with the respective hospitals before processing medical reimbursement claims.

To curb this issue, government departments must implement a proper verification mechanism to ensure that only genuine medical claims are approved. This step is crucial in maintaining transparency and preventing misuse of public funds. Please find the official notification below:

GOVERNMENT OF SINDH
SERVICES, GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
AND CO-ORDINATION DEPARTMENT

Karachi, dated the 14^th February, 2025

To

1. The Chairman, Planning & Development Board Sindh, Karachi.
2. The Senior Member, Board of Revenue Sindh, Karachi.
3. The Chairman, Enquiries, Anti-Corruption Establishment Sindh, Karachi.
4. The Secretary to Government of Sindh (All)

SUBJECT:             BOGUS MEDICAL REIMBURSEMENT CLAIMS

                              I am directed to refer to the subject cited above and to state that of late, a rise has been observed in the fake / fraudulent cases submitted for Reimbursement of Medical Claims. Besides, being a serious cause of concern, the increase in fabricated medical claims is detrimental for the integrity of the Government Departments and is likely to result in financial loss of public money. This adversed trend is observed mainly because the relevant departments generally don’t verify the hospital bills and other payment receipts and also not following the policy / guidelines issued by Finance Department in this regard.

2.                           In view of significance and sensitivity of the matter, the Chief Secretary, Sindh while taking serious notice, has desired that while dealing with the medical reimbursement claims, the guidelines / policy circulated vide No. FS.SO(M)26-324/2021/01 dated 26^th April, 2022 by the Finance Department, Government of Sindh must be adhered to in true letter and spirit so that the occurrence of fraudulent medical reimbursement claims could be avoided. Further all administrative departments and their attached departments / field offices should in place a proper mechanism of verification of hospital bills / other payment receipts directly with the respective hospital to ascertain the authenticity of claims of medical reimbursement.

SECTION OFFICER (C-IV)

Ensuring Transparency in Medical Reimbursement Claims:

The rising trend of fake medical claims has raised serious concerns about the integrity and financial accountability of government departments in Sindh. By enforcing strict verification procedures, the government aims to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that public funds are used responsibly.

All departments have been instructed to follow the policy issued by the Finance Department (Notification No. FS.SO(M)26-324/2021/01, dated April 26, 2022), ensuring that hospital bills and receipts are verified directly from the issuing hospitals. This measure will not only prevent financial irregularities but also restore trust in the system.

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