The fallout from the deaths of 14 newborns at PIMS continued as IHRA Chairman Dr Riaz Shahbaz Janjua resigned. The federal cabinet approved his resignation, prompting the Ministry of Health to issue an official notification. Dr Janjua stepped down immediately after authorities accepted his resignation.
Dr Janjua had led the Islamabad Healthcare Regulatory Authority since October 2024. He also served on the Prime Minister’s Committee on Medical Education and held several healthcare leadership positions. Moreover, he has more than 27 years of clinical experience in Pakistan and abroad.
Government Takes Action After PIMS Fire
The latest resignation follows several government changes after the PIMS fire on August 26. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of 14 newborns and triggered an investigation into the incident. Subsequently, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspended Federal Health Secretary Aslam Ghori.
Housing Secretary Captain (retd) Muhammad Mahmood later received additional charge of the health secretary position. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health suspended seven PIMS employees following an inquiry into the tragedy.
Professor Dr Rana Imran Iskandar also faced suspension as PIMS executive director for four months. Authorities replaced him with Dr Muhammad Salman from the National Institutes of Health for a three-year term.
PIMS Officials Face Further Administrative Changes
Dr Salman also received additional charge as chief executive officer of the NIH. Furthermore, Dr Altaf Hussain received additional charge as joint executive director for non-medical matters.
Dr Nuzhat Yasmin received additional charge as joint executive director of the Children’s Hospital. Meanwhile, Dr Shumaila became professor and head of the gynaecology department.
Authorities handed over the bodies of 13 newborns to their families on Sunday. However, officials handed one infant’s body to the Edhi Foundation after failing to trace the parents.
The government’s actions followed growing concerns over hospital safety and accountability. Officials are expected to continue reviewing institutional responsibilities following the deadly incident.
