PMA slams govt action on Nishtar Medical University issue

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is being observed worldwide, yet in Pakistan, the medical community is grappling with another troubling incident involving the disrespect of a female vice-chancellor by a female chief minister. 

These views were expressed by Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore office bearers while addressing a press conference here on Monday. 

The PMA Lahore expressed grave concern over the events of November 22 at Nishtar Medical University, linking them to a pattern of authoritarian behavior demonstrated by the Punjab government.

Prof Ashraf Nizami, President PMA Lahore, Dr Kamran Saeed, President PMA Punjab, Prof. Shahid Malik, General Secretary PMA Lahore, Dr Izhar Ahmad Chaudhry, President (Elect) PMA Centre, and Dr Iram Shehzadi, Vice President PMA Lahore were included in addressing the press conference.  

The PMA leaders shed light on the broader implications of this incident. They referred to a similar episode on June 14 in Sahiwal, where faculty members of a medical college were allegedly humiliated by the same chief minister. 

The PMA emphasized that such incidents not only undermine the dignity of professionals but are also unacceptable to the medical fraternity.

Highlighting a related controversy, the PMA addressed misconceptions surrounding the spread of HIV. It clarified that the disease is not transmitted through casual contact like handshakes, hugs, or shared meals. 

The association pointed out that in Sindh, factors like unregulated practices by unqualified individuals, improper use of syringes, and unsafe blood transfusions were established as causes of HIV spread. 

Referring to the recent allegations against Nishtar Medical College, the PMA questioned whether genome sequencing had been conducted to confirm the source of transmission. 

It also raised concerns about the lack of consideration for possible third-party negligence.

The PMA criticized the Punjab Health Department and the chief minister’s alleged mishandling of the situation. 

It cited discrepancies in dialysis guidelines issued by the department and their recent revisions, describing these changes as evidence of policy confusion and administrative inefficiency.

The PMA demanded transparency, calling for the release of all investigative reports related to the Multan incident, as well as national and international dialysis guidelines.

“We appeal to the Governor of Punjab not to accept the resignation received under pressure from the VC of Nishtar Medical University.” 

The association announced its intention to establish a high-level investigative committee under its supervision to ensure an impartial and thorough examination of the incident.

 The PMA reiterated its commitment to defending the dignity and rights of the medical community while holding authorities accountable for their actions.

They demanded that a high-level inquiry committee be formed under the supervision of the PMA comprising:  

Infectious disease expert, nephrologist, epidemiologist, biomedical engineer, AIDS control program expert, representative Punjab Healthcare Commission, retired judge, and representative of civil society.