Dr Faisal Sultan appointed PM’s aide on health

He replaces Dr Zafar Mirza who stepped down last week

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday appointed Dr Faisal Sultan as the new Special Adviser to Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination with immediate effect.

A notification issued to this effect from the prime minister's office maintained that Dr Sultan will hold the status of a federal minister.

He has been serving as the Prime Minister's Focal Person on Covid-19, and is also the CEO of Shaukat Khanum Memorial and Cancer Hospital.

Dr Sultan has been appointed the new SAPM on Health following the resignation of Dr Zafar Mirza from the post on July 29.

Dr Mirza announced his resignation saying that he had made the decision over the "negative discussion about the role of SAPMs and criticism of the government".

He added that he had left the World Health Organisation and came to Pakistan on the premier's invitation.

“I worked hard and honestly. It was a privilege to serve Pakistan. I am satisfied that I leave at a time when Covid-19 has declined in Pakistan as a result of a grand national effort," he wrote.

Dr Mirza further said Pakistanis deserved better healthcare. “I have worked sincerely to contribute to this cause. Pakistan will Inshallah emerge out of Covid-19 with a stronger healthcare system."

Dr Mirza was appointed as the SAPM on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination with the status of Minister in April 2019 and has been at the forefront of the government's Covid-19 response. Prior to his post as Prime Minister Imran Khan's aide, he worked as director of Health System Development at the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.