ISLAMABAD: A legislator, who remained the chairman of the board of governors (BoG) of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims), on Monday criticised the arrangements and capacity of the hospital.

Senator Mohammad Humayun Mohmand, who belongs to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and is currently chairing the Senate Standing Committee on Health, was visiting Pims along with other members of the committee.

Mr Mohmand became the BoG chairman in December 2020 but resigned from the post in March 2021 after the PTI nominated him as a senator.

The committee members visited the cardiac centre of Pims and Mr Mohmand wondered how only 10 beds could cater to a large number of patients coming from different parts of the country.

He also said it was unfortunate that there was no visible development in the hospital since 1992.

Other members of the committee suggested that the number of beds should be increased in the cardiac centre.

Hospital DirectorDr Khalid Masood informed the lawmakers that a project for establishing a 200-bed emergency centre had been launched. However, he acknowledged that the emergency was not sufficient, adding however it was being properly managed to ensure that patients did not suffer.

Briefing about the dengue situation, Dr Masood said there were 56 patients admitted in the hospital. He said overall 64 beds had been allocated for the dengue patients.

Efforts were being made to start kidney transplant in the hospital. However, he said there was the issue of space. The committee directed the Pims management to submit suggestions to start kidney transplants in the hospital.

While the committee members were visiting children hospital, PTI Senator Fawzia Arshad asked why the air-conditioning system was not working in the block.

The hospital administration said there was a very old air conditioning system and efforts were made to address the issue by installing small units. The management also requested the committee to play its role to address the issue of financial resources.

Pakistan People’s Party Senator Rubina Khalid pointed out that there was no proper arrangement for cleanliness in the children hospital.

Dean Dr Rizwan Taj informed the committee that 780 vacancies were vacant in the hospital but the ministry was not allowing filling the posts.

The committee members recommended expediting the process of appointments and said they would visit the hospital every three months.

Meanwhile, the employees’ union of Pims issued a statement demanding that the vacant posts should be filled through the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC).

Chairman Young Doctors Association Dr Haider Abbasi said that the association had learnt that the management of Pims had requested the standing committee to play its role in making appointments on 780 vacant seats.

“We demand that the vacant seats should be filled through the FPSC instead of direct appointments,” he said.

Published in Dawn, September 13th, 2022