MULTAN: The medical superintendent (MS) of the Nishtar Hospital has sought explanation from a doctor who, during the visit of Health Minister Khwaja Salman Rafique the other day, had informed him about unavailability of some surgical items and the use of substandard ones in the emergency ward of the hospital.

The minister had visited the hospital’s emergency and Postgraduate Trainee (Stipendiary) of Surgical Unit III on Thursday after the family of a patient complained to him that they were not being provided treatment by the doctor on duty. He went to the ward where Dr Imran Akbar told him about the missing facilities.

According to the letter, a copy available with Dawn, Nishtar Hospital MS Ashiq Malik, addressing Dr Akbar, had said that the latter had misinformed the minister by telling him that a surgical item (Proline 01) was substandard and not up to the mark, cervical collar and spinal boards were not available and there was shortage of anaesthetist in the ward.

The MS claimed in the letter that the best quality item (Proline 01), approved by the head of the surgery department, had been provided to the emergency while cervical collars were available in the operating theatre of the accident and emergency department store while two spinal board stretchers were also available, one in surgical unit and second in X-ray room.

Regarding the shortage of anaesthtists, the MS claimed that three operating tables were properly functional round the clock with the availability of anaesthetist.

The letter alleged that the doctor had misinformed ‘the honourable VIP’ by providing him with false information which ‘comes under ignorance and misconduct’. While addressing Dr Akbar the letter further alleged, “you have never reported before the undersigned or director accident and emergency department which shows your involvement in undesired activities”.

Dr Ashiq Malik directed Dr Akbar to explain his position within three days through the head of his department “otherwise it will be presumed that you have nothing to say in your defence and will be liable to strict disciplinary action”.

Sources said that during the surprise visit of the minister, the attendants of some people complained to him that the doctor on duty was refusing to treat their patient as only one out of three surgical tables of the emergency ward was operational.

They said that due to shortage of anaesthetists in the hospital only one anaesthetist was deputed in the department instead of three that’s why only one table was functional. They said the minister himself went to the operating theatre and found only one table functional while over his inquiry; he was informed by the doctor on duty (Dr Akbar) that as all the three tables were not functional he was unable to accommodate the patient in question.

The sources said the doctor concerned also shared other pieces information with the minister, including unavailability of surgical items and substandard items being used by the hospital administration. They said the minister shared his cell number with the doctor concerned while asking him to text him the suggestions and requirements.

Talking to Dawn, Dr Imran Akbar said two more doctors, batch head Dr Zeeshan Bashir and senior registrar Imran Altaf had also been sent similar letters to explain their position after Khwaja Salman Rafique’s surprise visit. He said the minister had himself come to the emergency department along with the deputy registrar and asked why the patient whose family had complained to him was not being treated besides inquiring about the missing equipment and their quality. On being informed, he added, the minister asked him to write down names of the missing equipment and he (Dr Akbar) had done so.

Dr Akbar quoted the minister, saying that he had assured that the missing facilities would be provided to the hospital within a week, complaining that now he himself had got the letter from the MS for explanation.

Younger Doctors Association (reformers) President Asif Hussain said the minister himself was witness that only one table was functional and surgical items were not available in store as well. He said the matter had been brought to the notice secretary and minister health.

“The hospital administration is victimising the doctor to hide its negligence and incompetence,” he added.

MS Dr Ashiq Malik said Dr Akbar should reply to the explanation letter even if he stood by his claim.

Published in Dawn, March 18th, 2017