MULTAN
\nChief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken strict action by suspending key officials following an alarming incident of HIV transmission among dialysis patients at Nishtar Hospital.
\nThe episode,attributed to gross negligence, has led to the suspension of senior officials, including the Medical Superintendent, key doctors, and staff of the Nephrology Department.
\nDuring her visit to the hospital, the Chief Minister ordered the immediate suspension of Medical Superintendent Dr. Kazim, Head of the Nephrology Department Dr. Ghulam Abbas, Associate Professor Dr. Poonam Khalid, Senior Registrar Dr. Qadeer, and Dr. Maliha Johar. Medical Officer Dr. Alamgir and Head Nurse Naheed Parveen were also relieved of their duties. Maryam Nawaz personally investigated the matter, meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of Nishtar Medical University, the Principal, department heads, and staff involved.
\nShe reviewed reports and heard their accounts, uncovering a shocking violation of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
\nAccording to the inquiry, mandatory HIV and Hepatitis screenings for dialysis patients, required every three months, were not conducted. Disposable dialysis kits and dialyzers were reused across multiple patients, exposing them to life-threatening infections.
\nIt was further revealed that hospital staff sent samples to private laboratories in violation of official protocols.
\nEven after the detection of HIV in patients, the incident was concealed, highlighting a blatant disregard for patient safety.
\nThe Chief Minister expressed outrage at the failure of senior doctors to supervise the ward adequately, with some not visiting for weeks.
\nShe called for the Health Secretary to initiate strict disciplinary action under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline, and Accountability (PEEDA) Act.
\nSpeaking on the issue, Maryam Nawaz stated, \u201cWe have allocated vast resources to healthcare, but such negligence was unacceptable. Patients come for treatment, not to leave with incurable diseases.\u201d
\nShe emphasized the need for accountability and immediate reforms to prevent such incidents in the future.
\nThe Chief Minister directed the installation of a PET scan machine in Multan to strengthen diagnostic facilities.
\nShe also inspected the cardiology and other wards, ordering the immediate transfer of critical patients to intensive care units when required. Maryam Nawaz expressed dissatisfaction with the hospital\u2019s hygiene and cleanliness, instructing staff to address the issues immediately.
\nDuring her visit, a sanitation worker complained about unpaid salaries, prompting the Chief Minister to ensure their timely disbursement. She stressed that the government would not tolerate any negligence in healthcare services.
\nThe visit was attended by Senator Pervez Rasheed, Provincial Minister for Information Uzma Zahid Bukhari, Special Assistant Sania Ashiq, and senior government officials, including the Chief Secretary, Commissioner, and Regional Police Officer. Maryam Nawaz\u2019s decisive actions have sent a clear message that patient safety and healthcare standards remain a top priority, with no tolerance for negligence or malpractice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MULTAN Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken strict action by suspending key officials following an alarming incident of HIV transmission among dialysis patients at Nishtar Hospital. The episode,attributed to gross negligence, has led to the suspension of senior officials, including the Medical Superintendent, key doctors, and staff of the Nephrology Department. During her visit […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":430214,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-445293","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-top-news"},"yoast_head":"\n