Shaukat Khanum CEO made special assistant to PM Imran on health

Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has appointed Dr Faisal Sultan, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, as his special assistant on national health services, regulations and coordination, a statement issued by his office said on Monday.

“Dr Faisal Sultan shall hold status of federal minister,” read a tweet by the government.

Prime Minister has been pleased to appoint Dr. Faisal Sultan as SAPM on National Health Services, Regulation & Coordination with immediate effect. Dr. Faisal Sultan shall hold status of Federal Minister. pic.twitter.com/ZnVUPLcfwC

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) August 3, 2020

Dr Sultan, who also serves as the PM’s focal person on COVID-19, will replace Dr Zafar Mirza, who had resigned last week.

A consultant physician on medicine and infectious diseases, Dr Sultan completed his graduation from Lahore’s King Edward Medical College University (KEMU) in 1987. He also holds the postgraduate degrees of Diplomate American Board of Internal Medicine (1992) and Diplomate American Board of Infectious Disease (1994).

Reacting to his successor’s appointment, Dr Mirza said: “I am very pleased about the appointment of Dr Faisal Sultan as SAPM health. As [a] federal minister he will be able to make decisions which [are] important.”

<354> I am very pleased about the appointment of @fslsltn Dr Faisal Sultan as SAPM health. As Fed Minister he will be able to make decisions which is important. A capable professional with a good worldview. A good friend. I wish him every success. GodSpeed.

— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) August 3, 2020

Dr Mirza, who reports claimed had been told to resign from office, termed Dr Sultan “a capable professional with a good worldview” and a good friend, wishing him success in his new role.