Special committee formed to reform PIMS

Summary ISLAMABAD: The government has constituted a 20-member special committee to review the administrative and operational affairs of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and propose reforms aimed at improving the hospital's management and overall functioning. The prime minister will review the report before taking a final decision on the future administrative and management structure of PIMS. The formation of the special committee and the proposed Board of Governors are part of the government's broader efforts to review PIMS management and introduce structural reforms following the tragic incident. AI Generated Summary ISLAMABAD: The government has constituted a 20-member special committee to review the administrative and operational affairs of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) and propose reforms aimed at improving the hospital's management and overall functioning. According to sources, the committee includes prominent health experts and professionals from both the public and private sectors. The members will examine the existing administrative structure, identify shortcomings in the hospital's management system and recommend measures to improve the delivery of healthcare services. Sources said the committee will conduct a detailed review of the way PIMS currently operates and suggest an appropriate mechanism for managing its affairs. The committee is also expected to examine institutional responsibilities and administrative procedures to determine how the hospital can be run more efficiently. The committee will submit its recommendations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The prime minister will review the report before taking a final decision on the future administrative and management structure of PIMS. Meanwhile, the government has also decided to establish a Board of Governors for PIMS. The proposed board will include individuals from different fields of life and will oversee key administrative and policy matters related to the hospital. The latest decisions follow a tragic fire incident at PIMS in which 14 newborn babies lost their lives. The incident raised serious questions about hospital administration, safety arrangements and the effectiveness of emergency response mechanisms. Following the tragedy, authorities suspended eight officials, including the hospital's Executive Director. Criminal proceedings have also been initiated against the suspended officials under the relevant provisions of criminal law. The formation of the special committee and the proposed Board of Governors are part of the government's broader efforts to review PIMS management and introduce structural reforms following the tragic incident.