ISLAMABAD: Five more members of the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority (IHRA) Board have resigned amid growing differences with the Ministry of Health following the deaths of 14 newborns at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), according to a media report on Tuesday.
The latest resignations follow the departure of IHRA Board Chairman Dr Riaz Shahbaz Janjua, who resigned on August 28.
Sources said Janjua stepped down after becoming distressed by online criticism directed at him following the newborn deaths.
Moreover, other board members reportedly expressed frustration over criticism of IHRA and what they viewed as increasing health ministry control over the authority’s affairs.
Board Members Reject IHRA Link to PIMS Tragedy
According to sources, the members argued that holding IHRA responsible for the PIMS incident was unjustified because the authority lacked powers under its governing law to inspect public-sector hospitals.
They maintained that responsibility for inspecting PIMS and other government hospitals rested with the Ministry of Health.
Furthermore, the members said IHRA required permission from the ministry before conducting inspections of such institutions.
The controversy has consequently intensified questions over regulatory responsibilities following the deaths at PIMS.
Seven of Nine IHRA Board Members Have Now Resigned
Sources said seven of the board’s nine members have now submitted their resignations to the Ministry of Health.
The five latest members to step down are Professor Naeem Malik, Dr Matiur Rehman, retired Colonel Dr Arif Maqsood, Kashif Zahoor and Asma Khalil.
Meanwhile, the resignations have deepened the institutional dispute at a time when the PIMS tragedy has placed healthcare oversight under increased scrutiny.
The departures could also significantly affect the functioning of the nine-member regulatory board as questions persist over the respective responsibilities of IHRA and the health ministry.
