Khawaja Asif alleges widespread corruption behind PIMS hospital tragedy
At a glance
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has blamed "widespread corruption" for the recent PIMS hospital fire.
- The fire reportedly killed several newborn babies in the Islamabad hospital's nursery.
- The government has since ordered a maintenance audit and increased monitoring of the facility.
Story so far
A fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad reportedly resulted in the deaths of several newborn babies. The tragedy has drawn sharp political reaction, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif alleging it was caused by widespread corruption within the health sector. This followed a recent visit by the Federal Health Minister, who had noted poor conditions at the hospital. In response, the government has ordered a maintenance audit of PIMS and increased oversight.
Latest development
Speaking in Sialkot, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has intensified his criticism, alleging that the deadly fire at PIMS hospital was solely due to corruption. He claimed there is rampant 'looting' in the health sector and that officials at PIMS, including the health regulatory authority, were complicit.
Latest updates
Speaking at an event in Sialkot, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has intensified his allegations regarding the recent fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, stating it was caused "solely due to corruption."
He claimed that the level of "looting" in the health sector is unparalleled and described the PIMS incident, where several newborns reportedly died, as a "major tragedy" and a "wake-up call."
The minister further alleged that there was widespread complicity, stating that "everyone at PIMS was involved, including the health regulatory authority." He compared the situation to recruiting thieves into the police force.
In a new development, senior PML-N leader Khawaja Asif has alleged that the recent fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) was a result of corruption. The statement adds a political dimension to the investigation into the tragic incident.
Following the health minister's initial visit, reports have emerged of a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) that resulted in the deaths of several newborn babies. Some reports suggest as many as 14 infants may have died in the incident. In response to the tragedy, the government has reportedly stepped up monitoring of hospitals, with Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal again inspecting departments at PIMS.
Following his recent visit, Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has ordered a maintenance audit of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad. The directive was issued in response to the poor facilities and maintenance issues observed at the hospital.
Sources and updates
جتنی لوٹ مار صحت کے شعبے میں ہے وہ کہیں اور نہیں: خواجہ آصف
وزیر دفاع خواجہ آصف نے کہا ہےکہ جتنی لوٹ مار صحت کے شعبے میں ہے وہ کہیں اور نہیں۔
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