PM Shehbaz Responds to CTA Machine Failure at PIMS During Imran Khan's Visit

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken decisive action following the failure of the computed tomography angiography (CTA) machine at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) cardiology department, which came to light during former Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent medical visit. In response, the Prime Minister has established a committee tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.

The committee will be led by the secretary of the Establishment Division and is charged with determining the facts related to the non-functional CTA machine, which has been out of order since 2011. Sources within PIMS indicate that Imran Khan was brought to the hospital in the early hours of Friday without prior notification, complicating the situation further.

Medical professionals at PIMS noted that while a CTA was recommended for Khan, the necessary equipment was unavailable at the time of his visit. Instead, officials claimed he should have been registered as a patient prior to his arrival, particularly since his condition did not constitute an emergency.

According to a senior doctor familiar with the situation, the relevant CTA machine has been operational in the radiology department since March 2022, yet no one advised a referral to that location during Imran's visit. This oversight has raised questions about the coordination between departments at PIMS, with many CTAs typically being referred to private facilities due to the longstanding issues with the machine at the Cardiac Centre.

After the situation gained attention, Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri confirmed the machine's functionality during his visit to PIMS. However, a senior administrator revealed that cardiologists were under the impression that the CTA facility was unavailable, leading them to inform officials that Imran's test could not be conducted.

In light of these developments, the inquiry committee will review not only the technical capabilities of PIMS but also the referral protocols between the cardiology and radiology departments. Furthermore, it will investigate whether patients are routinely directed to private centers for procedures that should be available at the public hospital.

Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the importance of the committee's findings, instructing it to conduct a thorough examination of all related records and circumstances to ensure accountability and transparency in the hospital's operations.

This incident is part of a broader context involving Imran Khan's health, as the Supreme Court recently mandated his transfer to Shifa International Hospital for a multidisciplinary evaluation. However, logistical complications led to his transport being diverted back to PIMS, where he underwent a check-up before returning to Adiala jail.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar cited security concerns due to PTI supporters as a reason for the rerouting to PIMS. As the situation unfolds, the inquiry committee's findings will likely play a crucial role in addressing the operational challenges faced by PIMS and ensuring the effective delivery of medical services.

Source: www.dawn.com