Health Minister Opposes Permanent Hiring in Govt Hospitals

Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has suggested that government-run hospitals should not have permanent employees, days after the tragic fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences that killed 14 newborn babies.

Key points

• 62 Out of 1, 000 Babies in Punjab Die Before Their First Birthday.
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• Punjab to Introduce New Safety Rules for Newborn Care Units.
• Earlier, new PIMS Executive Director Dr Muhammad Salman took charge and remarked patient safety would be his top priority.
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In an interview, he remarked hospital staff should be hired on contract and run by a chief executive officer brought in from the private sector to ensure more effective management.

He argued that permanent employees become too powerful and often drag departments into litigation when they are dismissed.

According to him, the only permanent solution to the challenges in the country's healthcare system is to appoint a private-sector CEO with full authority over hiring and firing.

He remarked such a CEO should receive annual budget approval from the administration and then be held fully accountable for performance and administration.

Kamal additionally stated the inquiry report into the PIMS fire had discovered that only 120 seconds passed between the first spark and the blaze spreading through the Mother and Child Health Centre.

Referring to a fire at a PIMS nursing hostel regarding a month earlier, he stated he had only learned of the incident after last week's tragedy.

He remarked a short circuit in a bulb had caused a sofa to catch fire, but the matter was not noted to the ministry and was not considered a major incident.

He continued that an internal committee had been formed by the previous executive director, and its report was submitted only a day before the latest tragedy.

Commenting on reports that he had offered to resign, Kamal remarked the ministerial post meant little to him and that he had already taken responsibility on the floor of the National Assembly. Punjab to Introduce New Safety Rules for Newborn Care Units.

He remarked that if he was ready to face accountability, then no one else should be spared, even though he believed he was not at fault.

Responding to criticism, especially from the PPP, he remarked the party was trying to link the tragedy with the problem of new administrative units.

He, nevertheless, stated the incident backed his view that hospitals should be run by local elected leadership.

According to Kamal, if Islamabad were a separate administrative unit with an elected mayor, that mayor should be responsible for running such hospitals.

He continued that it should not be the job of a minister to run a hospital, but rather that of an elected mayor.

He additionally stated the new executive director of PIMS. This person is additionally the CEO of the National Institute of Health in Islamabad, was appointed on the recommendation of the inquiry committee.

Kamal remarked numerous top authorities at such institutions consider themselves untouchable as they believe no outsider can be brought in to replace them.

He observed that the new executive director was appointed after relaxing the rules and that post-facto cabinet approval would now be required.

After assuming office, he visited different departments of the hospital and reviewed the arrangements in place.

He additionally held a gathering with the heads of various departments to discuss the situation. Punjab to Launch Free Kidney, Liver Transplant Program at Major Hospital.

Dr Salman remarked the situation was challenging, but he would try to live up to the responsibility assigned to him.

He remarked the inquiry committee's recommendations would be implemented, with immediate focus on patient safety.

He continued that the short-term goal was to prevent such incidents from happening again.

While the heavy patient load at the hospital would be managed, dr Salman remarked other hazards would additionally be reviewed.

He remarked the referral system would additionally be strengthened to improve patient management. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover.

Taken together, the developments around health Minister Opposes Permanent Hiring in Govt Hospitals point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.