Proposal to rename PIMS burn centre opposed

ISLAMABAD : Employees at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) have expressed concern over plans to rename the Burns Care Centre, insisting the move is driven by favouritism and will undermine the facility's purpose.

Established in 2007, the PIMS burns centre has gained national recognition as the leading facility for treating burn patients.

However, the proposed name change has sparked controversy, with employees claiming the initiative is intended to favour plastic surgeon Dr Abdul Khaliq, who was appointed the in charge of the centre lately.

Many argue the centre's top position should have gone to Dr Muhammad Saaiq, a fully trained and more qualified senior burn surgeon. Critics accuse the hospital's executive director of displaying favouritism by sidelining the experienced DrSaaiq in favour of DrKhaliq.

Employees also warn that changing the name of the Burn Care Centre could dilute its core mission of exclusively treating burn patients. They fear the shift could pave the way for unrelated plastic surgery procedures to be conducted there, despite the presence of a dedicated plastic surgery unit in the main PIMS facility. Another concern is the centre's separate budget allocation. Employees insist that the name change might be part of an effort to reallocate or control these funds, potentially diverting resources away from burn care services.

"This move not only jeopardises the concept of a dedicated burn care facility but also risks serious consequences for the institution's reputation and functionality," a staff member told 'The News'. The PIMS administration has yet to officially comment on the matter.

Employees have urged authorities to intervene to ensure that the integrity of the Burn Care Centre is preserved.