ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has sought details from the administration of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) over charges reportedly being collected from 10% of patients, questioning why treatment cannot be provided free of cost to all patients if 90% are already receiving free care.
According to reports, the minister took notice of the fee collection at the federal capital’s largest government hospital and asked PIMS authorities to provide details of the charges being collected from patients and the revenue generated through them.
Minister Questions 10% Patient Charges
During a discussion with PIMS Executive Director Dr Muhammad Salman, Mustafa Kamal expressed concern over the continued collection of fees from a portion of patients.
The minister questioned why the remaining 10% of patients could not also be provided free treatment when 90% of patients were already receiving treatment without charges.
He also asked the hospital administration why previously requested details regarding revenue generated through the 10% patient charges had not yet been provided.
Proposal for Free Treatment for All Patients
Mustafa Kamal said he would discuss the matter with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif with the aim of making treatment free for 100% of patients at PIMS.
The minister’s proposal could affect the existing fee structure at the hospital if approved by the relevant authorities. Further decisions are expected after the administration submits the requested financial details.