CM Maryam
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited Nishtar Hospital in Multan on Friday, taking strict action following multiple inquiry reports revealing an HIV/AIDS outbreak in the hospital’s nephrology department.
The outbreak reportedly resulted in the transmission of the virus to 25 patients, raising serious concerns over medical negligence and misconduct.
The CM directed Punjab Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood to initiate departmental action against Nishtar Medical University (NMU) Vice Chancellor Mehnaz Khakwani, Medical Superintendent Dr. Mohammad Kazim Khan, the head of the nephrology department, and five other medical staff members, including nurses and registrars.
She also instructed the health secretary to refer the case to the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) to seek the suspension of licences for the medics involved.
During her visit, Chief Minister Nawaz criticized the hospital management for its gross negligence, calling the situation a case of criminal misconduct. Inquiry reports revealed that the first patient tested positive for HIV/AIDS on October 11, followed by a second case on October 26.
However, the hospital management failed to act on the initial case, taking measures only after the second incident was reported.
The CM reprimanded the senior management for tampering with patient records to mislead higher authorities, a move she described as a deliberate cover-up.
The inquiries also found that some officials had used fake lab reports from private laboratories to conceal the outbreak.
A senior member of the Multan chapter of the Pakistan Medical Association was accused of pressuring hospital staff to manipulate the patient records.
This individual, who is also a faculty member at NMU, was identified as playing a significant role in the misconduct.
Despite these revelations, the NMU principal denied any involvement, citing a lack of authority to take action within the hospital. Addressing the meeting, CM Nawaz emphasized that all individuals found guilty would face severe consequences.
She directed immediate departmental proceedings and urged the health department to expedite actions, including submitting a case for the VC’s removal.
However, officials clarified that the CM cannot directly remove or suspend the vice chancellor, as it is a constitutional position. Even the Punjab governor, who serves as the chancellor of universities, lacks the authority to unilaterally remove a VC. This process can only occur if the VC voluntarily resigns.
By late evening, reports emerged that the Punjab Health Department had begun suspending several medics involved, and preparations were underway to initiate action against the NMU vice chancellor.
CM Nawaz’s intervention underscores her commitment to accountability and improving healthcare standards in Punjab, particularly in light of such alarming failures in patient safety and care.
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