Gillani demands impartial probe into Nishtar Hospital’s HIV spread

MULTAN: Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani has expressed concerns over delayed upgradation of Multan Nishtar Hospital I and II and demanded an impartial probe into the spread of HIV at Nishtar hospital.

A delegation of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) met with Yousuf Raza Gilani at his residence in Multan on the issue of HIV in Nishtar Hospital on Tuesday.

The PMA president Prof Dr Masood Haraj told the Senate chairman that the issue of the nephrology department of Nishtar Hospital is being politicized and false reports were submitted to the higher authorities, on which hasty action was taken, which in turn has caused harm to the patients.

Prof Dr Masood Haraj briefed that the doctors and head nurse of the nephrology department, where there was already a shortage of staff, were suspended, while the Vice Chancellor of Nishtar Medical University, Prof Dr Mehnaz Khakwani, was dragged into the matter without any reason in violation of the University Act and a defamatory attitude was adopted towards her.

He said now efforts are underway to remove her from her post by conducting inquiries against her without the approval of the Governor/Chancellor.

Instead of defaming the faculty and Vice Chancellor of Nishtar Medical University, an impartial high-level inquiry committee should be formed on the HIV issue, in which seniors from all fields will be included.

On this occasion, the delegation also placed before Senate chairman demands for immediate steps to be taken regarding the upgradation of Nishtar Medical University, construction of residential towers in Nishtar I and II Hospitals, MSDS programs and other postgraduate trainees’ PMDC registration.

In this regard, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani said that an impartial investigation should be conducted into the Nishtar HIV issue and the source of HIV should be found. No one should be suspended without any evidence.

He said Nishtar Medical University and Hospital are the pride of the people of this region. The Jhumars of South Punjab will not allow undemocratic attitudes to flourish in Nishtar Medical University and Hospital and the Gilani family will raise the voice of Nishtar’s issues in all the houses, he added.

Meanwhile, the delegation who met with Senate chairman included Dr Imran Qaisrani, Dr Nusrat Buzdar, Dr Zulqarnain Haider, Dr Waqar Niazi and others.