Maryam Nawaz suspends Jinnah Hospital's Medical Superintendent, Principal

Chief Minister (CM) Punjab Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday suspended the Medical Superintendent (MS) and Principal of Jinnah Hospital following complaints from patients and their attendants about the unavailability of free medicines and essential medical tests.

A video of her surprise visit to the hospital emerged online yesterday, showing the CM inspecting the hospital’s medicine store and emergency ward, personally engaging with patients and their attendants. 
As per media reports, the chief minister examined medical prescriptions and inquired about the availability of medicines and other healthcare facilities, including medical tests. 

While further interacting with patients and their families in the emergency ward, she inquired about the availability of medicines and medical tests. Many patients expressed grievances, stating that they were forced to purchase medicines from outside despite hospital policies ensuring free medication.

Responding to complaints, Maryam Nawaz instructed hospital staff to take urgent corrective measures.

Meanwhile, after witnessing the situation firsthand, the Chief Minister acted swiftly, holding hospital authorities accountable. She assured patients that the government is committed to improving public healthcare facilities and will not tolerate any mismanagement that compromises patient welfare.

“Providing citizens with quality and timely healthcare is the government’s top priority,” she stated, warning that negligence will not be tolerated.

Maryam Nawaz’s surprise visit was not the first of its type, as earlier this month, she suspended the Mayo Hospital Lahore MS Dr Faisal Masood over complaints against the administration involving poor treatment facilities.

In a video that went viral, Maryam Nawaz, accompanied by Provincial Specialised Healthcare Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and senior health officials, was heard inquiring about Masood's appointment as the MS of the hospital.

“The guy needs to be fired,” she ordered while pointing her finger at him.

“You should be thankful that I am not having you arrested,” she said to the MS, adding that Masood was unaware of the patients' conditions in the hospital.

 
According to media reports, the Chief Minister visited the emergency block, tuberculosis (TB) and chest ward, intensive care unit (ICU), cardiology, and other areas of the hospital. She also inquired about the patient's well-being. Patients and their attendants complained about the lack of facilities in the hospital.

She said the people visiting the hospital for treatment were suffering, and their complaints were not being addressed, while the administration was ignorant of the conditions faced by the patients.