ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the reported non-availability of the CT coronary angiography facility at PIMS and ordered an inquiry to determine the facts, assess institutional responsibility and review how the service has been handled since 2022.
The inquiry will examine whether Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) had the technical capacity to conduct CT coronary angiograms, whether the required equipment, software and trained staff were available, and how patients requiring the procedure were managed.
Inquiry Committee Formed
The inquiry committee will be headed by the Secretary of the Establishment Division. The Secretary of the National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Division and AFIC Brigadier Dr Jahanzeb Ali will serve as members.
Other members include Dr Nusratullah Chaudhry, Professor Dr Nadeem Hayat Malik, retired PIMS Brigadier Dr Azmat Hayat and AFIC CT angiography technician Umar Farooq. The committee has also been authorized to include additional members if required.
The committee will review PIMS records and other relevant documents to establish the availability and use of CT coronary angiography services from 2022 onward.
Probe to Review Patient Referrals
The inquiry will examine the number, dates and nature of CT coronary angiography procedures performed at PIMS since 2022. It will also assess whether patients from the cardiology department were routinely referred to private medical facilities for the procedure.
If such referrals took place, the committee will determine whether any particular private facility was given preference and examine available records concerning the financial value of procedures referred outside the public hospital.
The committee will also investigate coordination between PIMS’ cardiology and radiology departments, including whether a formal referral mechanism existed for CT coronary angiography.
Hospital Administration’s Role Under Review
The inquiry will assess whether administrative shortcomings, lack of coordination or misunderstandings between departments contributed to the reported unavailability of the service.
It will also determine whether patients and the public interest were adversely affected and identify any officials or offices found responsible on the basis of the evidence.
The National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Division will provide assistance to the committee during the inquiry. The committee will submit its findings and recommendations to the prime minister, after which further action will be taken in accordance with applicable laws and rules.
Also Read : Don’t Throw Away Your Rice Water
Today's E-Paper