PIMS tragedy: Kamal says probe findings will be implemented ‘word for word’

ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has called for strict punishment for those found responsible for the deaths of 14 newborns in the PIMS incident, saying the matter should not be brushed under the carpet.

Speaking on HUM News programme “Khabar Aur Tajzia”, Kamal said the government was awaiting the report of the inquiry committee constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and that its recommendations would be implemented “word for word”.

He said the committee was expected to submit its report within 48 hours and that its list of people summoned for questioning was quite long.

“If there is criminal negligence, cases should be registered,” the minister said, stressing that the matter should not be limited to departmental action and that those responsible should face the strictest possible punishment.

Kamal said he had been in regular contact with the prime minister over the incident, adding that Shehbaz was deeply saddened by what had happened.

“The prime minister himself wants the incident investigated, and the final decision will also be his,” he said.

The health minister said the incident must not be covered up and that those responsible should be identified and punished to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“No innocent child should lose their life because of someone’s mistake,” he said.

Kamal also expressed concern over the deaths of newborns, saying: “If children are going to be burned, then hospitals should be shut down.”

Responding to questions about the hospital’s administration, Kamal said he did not know who had appointed the executive director of PIMS.

He said he had always tried to ensure that people already working within the system were given responsibility to run it.

On the issue of funding, the minister said the budget was allocated by the Finance Division, while the health ministry could only make recommendations.

He added that the ministry never received the full budget it requested.

Kamal also welcomed the suggestion of forming a joint parliamentary committee to investigate the incident, saying all possible steps should be taken to prevent such tragedies from recurring.