Doctors’ absence: MS PIC served notice

LAHORE: The Specialised Healthcare Department has issued a show-cause notice to the Medical Superintendent (MS) of Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC), Dr Amir Rafiq, over the absence of doctors and poor facilities at the hospital.

According to the official letter, the monitoring team found only one OPD room staffed with a doctor during a recent visit. The rest of the doctors were absent without any prior notice.

The letter further stated that none of the four air-conditioners in the OPD were working, making conditions unbearable for patients. There was also no drinking water available.

The additional MS was also found neglecting his duties, raising further concerns over hospital management and patient care.

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The PIC, now expanded to a 575-bed capacity after upgrades in the emergency department, is struggling with a shortage of medical staff, including a lack of consultants, nurses, and paramedics.

The situation worsened after the Punjab government transferred several consultants to Jinnah Hospital and newly established cardiology centres in Sahiwal, Gujranwala, and Sargodha.

Two associate professors were sent to Jinnah Hospital, two to Gujranwala, one professor to Sahiwal, and another professor and associate professor to Sargodha. As a result, only six professors remain at PIC to run the cardiology department. Just two are available for cardiac surgery.

There is also only one specialist each for anaesthesia, radiology, pathology, and paediatrics. With a rising number of patients, the current staffing is inadequate. Moreover, 18 senior registrar positions remain vacant — a key gap in the hospital’s ability to deliver care.