ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered an inquiry into the nonavailability of CT coronary angiography services at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad and directed authorities to determine the facts and responsibility for the issue.
The prime minister has constituted an inquiry committee to examine all aspects of the matter and submit a report identifying any lapses and those responsible. Further action will be taken in accordance with the law and relevant rules based on the findings.
The committee will be headed by the secretary of the Establishment Division. Its members include the secretary of the National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Division and Brig. Dr. Jahanzeb Ali of the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC).
Other members include Dr Nusratullah Chaudhry, Prof Dr Nadeem Hayat Malik, retired Brig Dr Azmat Hayat of PIMS and AFIC CT angiography technician Umar Farooq. The committee may co-opt additional members when necessary.
The committee will determine whether PIMS had the technical capability to perform CT coronary angiograms since 2022. If the capability existed, it will examine whether the required equipment, technical facilities, human resources and software were available and operational.
It will also review the CT coronary angiograms performed at PIMS since 2022, including their number, dates, procedures and nature, along with relevant hospital records and documentary evidence.
The inquiry will examine whether a formal referral mechanism existed between the cardiology and radiology departments for CT coronary angiography and assess the level of coordination between the two departments. The role of the hospital administration will also be reviewed.
The committee will investigate whether patients from the cardiology department were routinely referred to private medical facilities for CT coronary angiography and, if so, whether any particular private facility was given preference.
It will further determine the amount of public-sector business potentially diverted to private medical facilities as a result of such referrals, based on available records and evidence.
The inquiry will also examine any lack of coordination, mismanagement or misunderstanding between PIMS’ cardiology and radiology departments and determine any public-interest harm caused by the issue, as well as identify the officers or offices responsible.
The committee has been authorized to examine any other aspect relevant to the matter. The National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Division will provide administrative and technical assistance during the inquiry.
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The prime minister has directed the committee to conduct a comprehensive review of all relevant facts and records and submit its findings. Further action will be taken in accordance with the law and applicable rules on the basis of the inquiry report.
