SC orders medical board for check-up of Dr Asim

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court Thursday directed the federal secretary health to constitute an impartial medical board for the checkup of former federal minister Dr. Asim Hussain who is in the Sindh Rangers custody for his alleged involvement in corruption cases.
A two-member bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Sarmad Jalal Usmani, heard a petition filed by the family members of Dr Asim against his discharge and transfer from the government hospital.
The court also gave access to Dr. Nida Hussain, Dr. Zahid Jamal and Prof Dr. Abdus Samad to the former federal minister for 24 hours.
Deputy Attorney General Sajid Ilyas Bhatti informed the court that the Armed Forces Institute of Cardiology (AFIC) was the best hospital for heart related diseases.
Abid Zubairi, counsel for Dr Asim Hussain, contended that the AFIC was a military hospital and his client’s checkup should be conducted by any hospital in Islamabad and Punjab.
The counsel objected that there should be no army doctor. The court however rejected the stance of the petitioner’s counsel, ruling that they could pass an order in this regard.
The counsel submitted that the Rangers had taken his client from government hospital without the discharge order.
He further contended that the Sindh High Court (SHC) had permitted the Rangers to take his custody on satisfaction.
Meanwhile, the court ordered the constitution of a medical board and submission of report within two weeks and adjourned the hearing till October 28.