ISLAMABAD: Ministry of National Health Services (NHS) on Monday removed executive director and a deputy director of National Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine (NIRM).

Additional charge of the post of ED has been given to Director Coordination NHS Dr Shabana Saleem.

The National Assembly Standing Committee on NHS had recommended removal of both officers on Oct 14 and directed the ministry to hold an inquiry against the management of the hospital.

The recommendation was given after getting input from a 10-member team of the parliamentary committee which visited NIRM and investigated into the complaints regarding attitude of administration.

The members of the committee were shocked when ED Dr Shaista Habibullah told them that what will be their reaction if their housemaids didn’t listen to them.

Moreover, the administration of NIRM also gave an impression as the visit of the parliamentarian was a trespass and interference in the affairs of the hospital.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan, who also attended the meeting, assured that an inquiry would be held over the complaints of the employees and report will be submitted in two weeks.

According to an office order of the NHS Ministry, Dr Shabana Saleem has been assigned additional charge of the post of ED for a period of three months or till further order.

A notification, states that Deputy Director (BS-18) Dr Mazhar Hussain has been placed under suspension with immediate effect until further orders.

On Oct 5 members of the staff at NIRM held a strike against the attitude of its administration. They were of the view that explanations were being sought from the staff over small issues.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2020