CJP expresses displeasure at state of Lahore mental health institution

Justice Nisar inspects facilities at hospital, informed new premises under construction

LAHORE: The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday expressed his displeasure at the state of a mental health institute in the provincial capital.

Justice Nisar, visiting the Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH), examined facilities and treatment being provided to the patients of the facility and also interacted those being provided treatment.



Provincial Minister of Punjab for Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Khawaja Salman Rafique also briefed the top judge during the visit regarding the facilities available at the hospital. "I hear the same complaints regarding the cost of medication wherever I go," said the chief justice to Rafique.

Justice Nisar also examined the wards, the hospital's kitchen, medical stores, and expressed disappointment at the current state of affairs and the hospital's lack of medical facilities.

"The hospital is in the worst state possible," the CJP remarked and added that the male ward's condition was extremely poor. "Who is responsible for this? Is someone going to come from outside and fix this?" the top judge questioned.

The secretary health of the province informed Justice Nisar that a new building is under construction. The poor state of affairs of the mental health institute came to the forefront during a suo motu case pertaining to a prisoner serving life imprisonment.



After the visit, a female doctor of the institution stopped the CJP's car and requested his assistance in recovering her lost son. Dr Aisha of PIMH claimed her son is in the custody of security forces for three years. Justice Nisar gave an assurance to Dr Aisha and asked her to submit an application in court.

"I am with you, give us two days to review your case," the top judge replied and instructed his staff to take all records of the lady doctor's son.