Islamabad: Federal Minister for Health Mustafa Kamal paid a surprise visit to the Cardiac Center of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and reviewed the facilities, medical services and administrative matters available to patients there.
The Health Minister also inspected the Electrophysiology Cath Lab during the visit. He got information from the medical staff about the modern cardiac facilities provided at the centre.
Mustafa Kamal also spoke to the patients and their carers. He got first-hand information about the difficulties faced during treatment and the facilities available at the hospital.
An important aspect of the visit was the review of the hospital building and maintenance. The Health Minister expressed concern over the condition of the private rooms of the Cardiac Centre.
During the inspection, attention was drawn to a damaged wall. The Health Minister questioned how the problem could be solved with just paint if there is a defect in the basic structure.
He was of the view that the maintenance of the hospital should not be limited to mere superficial repairs. It is the responsibility of the administration to identify such defects in a timely manner and permanently resolve them.
Mustafa Kamal made it clear to PIMS Executive Director Dr Salman that the new administration would not be given a long time to understand the hospital system. According to him, it is necessary to start practical steps immediately.
The Health Minister also directed the administration to monitor the repair and maintenance work on a daily basis. He said that the defect in the basic facilities of the hospital could create more problems for the patients.
He also stressed taking action against ineffective staff. According to him, a decision should be taken against an employee who is not fulfilling his responsibility as per the rules.
Mustafa Kamal also rejected the impression of giving priority to any kind of affiliation over performance in this matter. He directed the administration to identify the non-performing staff and take action as required.
Another issue related to the management structure of PIMS also came to light during the visit. The administration said that decision-making and administrative powers are largely concentrated at a single level.
The Health Minister sought a written proposal on the issue. He asked the administration to submit a brief plan on the division of powers and a better management model for the hospital.
This review at PIMS has taken place at a time when the government’s focus on the hospital’s administrative performance, patient comfort and security arrangements has increased. After recent incidents, the federal government has stressed improving facilities and security measures in hospitals.
Various specialised services, including electrophysiology, are available at the cardiac centre of PIMS. According to official information from the centre, there are several facilities here, including cardiac emergency, cath lab, electrophysiology, cardiology ward and private ward.
In such a situation, administrative problems can have a direct impact on patient care. Therefore, the health minister’s visit focused on building maintenance, staff performance and decision-making systems, along with medical facilities.
The real test of the guidelines issued by the health ministry will be their implementation. Hospital management will now have to prove that the correction of the identified problems is not limited to temporary repairs but also improves the quality of services for patients.
