The Auditor General of Pakistan has identified major weaknesses in the management of international health funding, reporting that more than Rs. 122 billion in assistance provided through the Global Fund was lost, remained unused, or could not be fully utilized between 2015 and 2023.
According to the audit report, the funding was intended to support national programs for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. However, several administrative and operational issues prevented the money from being used effectively.
The report highlighted a number of problems, including delays in project implementation, procurement challenges, missed funding opportunities, expired medicines, and medical facilities that remained unused despite available resources. These issues reduced the overall impact of the financial assistance provided for public health.
Auditors also pointed to weaknesses in governance, monitoring, and project management. The report stated that poor oversight and gaps in implementation affected the efficient use of funds and limited the benefits that could have reached patients and healthcare services.
To address these concerns, the Auditor General recommended stronger financial controls, regular audits, and a more transparent procurement process. The report also called for improved monitoring systems and better planning to ensure that future health funding is managed more effectively.
Officials believe that stronger accountability measures can help reduce waste, improve project delivery, and increase public confidence in the use of international financial assistance.
The findings highlight the importance of efficient management of donor-funded health programs, especially those aimed at controlling major diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
The report urges relevant authorities to strengthen oversight, improve coordination among implementing agencies, and ensure that future international funding is used efficiently to enhance healthcare services and achieve better health outcomes for people across Pakistan.
