The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has called for the immediate dismissal of Punjab Health Secretary Ali Jan following the release of a ‘fact-finding report’ by the association on the deaths of children at government hospitals in Sahiwal and Khanewal. The report was presented at a hastily convened press conference where PMA leaders blamed the health secretary for the tragic incidents. They criticized the arrests of senior doctors, a nurse, and paramedics, citing videos showing Sahiwal Medical College officials in handcuffs, which they claimed had caused widespread resentment among the medical community.
“Lahore PMA President Prof Dr Ashraf Nizami demanded the health secretary’s immediate termination, accusing him of misleading the Punjab chief minister and distorting facts to cover up his negligence,” said the PMA leaders, including Prof Shahid Malik, central president-elect Dr Izhar Ahmed Chaudhry, and others.
They also called for a judicial inquiry into the children’s deaths at the two hospitals, alleging that the Punjab government had mishandled the situations and taken inadequate measures. The PMA leaders criticized the health department for appointing incompetent personnel, resulting in negligence and mismanagement. They highlighted issues such as faulty wiring and substandard air-conditioning systems, blaming these for incidents like the fire at Sahiwal hospital.
Furthermore, they questioned the Punjab Healthcare Commission’s role and criticized the government’s response to the incidents, particularly the arrest of medical professionals who they argued were not responsible for the hospital’s infrastructure flaws.
Prof Chaudhry also criticized CM Maryam Nawaz for her delayed visit to the hospital and accused her of ordering the arrest of senior doctors, which he described as humiliating the medical fraternity. He emphasized the need for accountability, demanding apologies from the CM and other responsible officials.
Regarding the Khanewal DHQ Hospital incident, the PMA leaders pointed out negligence in the administration of vaccines and questioned why a vaccine flagged for side-effects was supplied to the hospital despite government warnings.
In conclusion, the PMA demanded the release of all arrested hospital staff, a judicial investigation into both incidents, and the immediate dismissal of the health secretary for his alleged role in the tragedies.
