LAHORE: The Punjab Health Department has removed Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Medical Superintendent (MS) Prof Dr Moeenuddin and assigned additional charge to grade 20 officer Dr Arif Iftikhar.

The sudden transfer has raised concerns, including among Health Minister Khwaja Salman Rafique, who admitted he was not consulted on the decision.

“I’m unaware of the reasons for Prof Moeenuddin’s transfer and will seek clarity from the health secretary,” he told Dawn.

Fatima Jinnah Medical University Vice Chancellor Prof Khalid Masood Gondal also expressed surprise, stating that he had met Prof Moeen earlier in the day to discuss policy matters, only to learn of his removal later.

Attempts to reach Punjab Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood for comment were unsuccessful.

The notification stated that Dr Iftikhar would hold additional charge of the MS post “till further orders”.

Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2024