LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday lashed out at Punjab health authorities for appointment of doctors in Multan Nishtar Hospital against merit and observed that ‘sifarish’ culture needed to be eliminated.

Earlier, coordination secretary to chief minister and special secretary for health appeared before the chief justice on a short notice. Expressing dismay over appointment of doctors without merit, the chief justice said he had been trying to strengthen the bureaucracy but the officers seemed unwilling to get rid of political clutches.

An Assistant Professor, Waseem Sarwar, complained to the chief justice that he had been deprived of his posting at the Nishtar Hospital in violation of merit.

Announces fundraising for UCH

Rebuking the officials, the chief justice observed that the applicant was deprived of his posting due to the involvement of the Punjab chief minister’s brother in the matter.

Meanwhile, the coordination secretary told the court that principal secretary to chief minister was not available as he had gone to Bahawalpur along with Usman Buzdar.

The health department’s special secretary said the case of the applicant was purely an administrative matter and no political consideration was involved in it. He said the posting was made on the recommendation of the vice chancellor of the Nishtar Medical College.

The CJP said the court would examine the whole process and take action if anyone was found guilty.

He summoned chief secretary, health secretary and vice chancellor of the college for Friday (today).

UCH: The chief justice on Thursday sought a report from the Punjab government on availability of funds for revamp of the United Christian Hospital (UCP).

Earlier, convener of a steering committee formed by the court to look after the hospital’s affairs told the court that around Rs500 million was required for the the UCH revamp.

He also presented the names of six retired army officers belonging to the Christian community for the chairmanship of the steering committee. He said all the officers had shown their consent to take the responsibility, if selected by the court.

About the funds for the hospital, the convener said a US-based NGO was willing to donate for the cause.

At this, the chief justice announced a donation of Rs100,000 to start a fund raising campaign for the UCH restoration.

A doctor, Peter David, also announced Rs100 million donation for the UCH whereas other leaders of Christian community also pledged donations.

The CJP also ordered the hospital’s forensic audit of last 10 years and formed a seven-member steering committee for fundraising and UCH restoration. The court will resume hearing on Friday (today).

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2018