ISLAMABAD: PIMS Inquiry has been ordered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after he took notice of the non-functional CT coronary angiography facility at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences.
The prime minister directed an immediate investigation into why the facility has not been operating despite PIMS having the technical capacity to conduct the procedure since 2022.
Committee to examine hospital operations
The inquiry committee will assess the hospital’s facilities, staffing, procedures, referrals and management arrangements.
The Establishment Division secretary will lead the committee. Health Services Secretary Dr Jahanzeb Ali, Dr Nusratullah Chaudhry, Professor Nadeem Hayat, Dr Azmat Hayat and Umar Farooq will serve as members.
The committee can also include additional members if required during the investigation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz has instructed the panel to establish the facts, identify those responsible and submit its findings promptly. The National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Division will provide administrative support.
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PIMS had capacity since 2022
According to sources, PIMS had the technical capability to perform CT coronary angiography from 2022.
The inquiry will determine whether the hospital had the required equipment, software and qualified staff during this period. Investigators will also review the procedures conducted since 2022, including their dates, numbers and nature.
The committee will examine hospital records and other relevant documents to determine why the facility remained unavailable despite the reported capacity.
Private referrals under scrutiny
The inquiry will also review the referral system for CT coronary angiography and coordination between the cardiology and radiology departments.
Investigators will determine whether PIMS routinely referred cardiology patients to private medical centres for the procedure.
If such referrals occurred, the committee will examine whether any private institution received preferential treatment. It will also assess the financial impact of referrals on the government hospital.
Management and coordination issues
The committee will investigate whether poor coordination, miscommunication, mismanagement or misunderstandings between the cardiology and radiology departments contributed to the facility’s non-functionality.
It will also determine whether these issues harmed the public interest and identify the officers or departments responsible if negligence or wrongdoing emerges.
The final report will provide the basis for any further action under applicable laws and rules.
Imran Khan undergoes medical examination
The inquiry comes as PTI founder Imran Khan was transferred from Adiala Jail to PIMS in the early hours of Friday for a medical examination.
Khan arrived at the hospital under tight security and later returned to Adiala Jail after undergoing the examination.
Jail sources said authorities transported him back to the prison in a high-security convoy and transferred him to his cell.
