Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the non-functionality of the CT Coronary Angiography facility at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, setting up an inquiry committee to investigate the issue. The committee has been tasked with examining all aspects, identifying the facts and responsibilities, and submitting a report on the matter.

According to Radio Pakistan, the inquiry committee will assess whether PIMS has had the technical capability to perform CT Coronary Angiograms since 2022. It will evaluate the availability of the necessary technical facilities, human resources, and software required for conducting these procedures. Additionally, the committee will scrutinize the procedures performed since 2022, their frequency, and the nature of the CT Coronary Angiograms conducted at the hospital, reviewing all pertinent documentary evidence, including hospital records.

Another aspect under review is the referral mechanism between the Cardiology and Radiology Departments at PIMS. The committee will investigate if patients from the Cardiology Department were routinely referred to private medical centers for CT Coronary Angiograms and whether preferential treatment was given to any particular private institution. The financial implications of such referrals on government hospital business redirected to private centers will also be examined.

The committee will further look into any miscommunication, mismanagement, or misunderstandings between the Cardiology and Radiology Departments that may have affected public interest, determining the responsible parties. It will also explore any other related aspects.

The Prime Minister has instructed the committee to conduct a thorough examination of all relevant facts and records to facilitate appropriate action in line with legal and regulatory frameworks. The National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Division will support the committee during the inquiry.

The inquiry committee will be chaired by the Secretary Establishment Division, with members including the Secretary National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Division, Brigadier Dr. Jahanzeb Ali, Dr. Nusratullah Chaudhry, Professor Dr. Nadeem Hayat Malik, Brigadier (Retd) Dr. Azmat Hayat, and Umar Farooq (CT Angiography Technician).