MS suspended on negligence charges

Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid on Tuesday suspended Medical Superintendent (MS) of Government Teaching Hospital Shahdara (GTHS) Dr Shahid Iqbal Qureshi (BS-19) on charges of 'negligence and misconduct'.

According to the Punjab Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department (SH&ME) spokesperson, the MS was found absent from duty during a surprise visit conducted by Additional Secretary Dr Asif Tufail on the direction of the health minister.

Dr Tufail visited several sections of the hospital, including the operation theatre, emergency and other departments, to review the cleanliness arrangements as well as health facilities being provided.

Official sources said the GTHS MS remained absent throughout the visit of the additional secretary.

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The provincial health minister had reportedly directed the SH&ME department to form a schedule for the officers for conducting 'surprise’ visits to hospitals to review the performance of the medical superintendents and evaluate the available facilities at all the hospitals across Punjab.

Reportedly, the health minister had given clear orders to immediately suspend any MS found guilty of 'poor performance or who failed to ensure good quality of health care facilities' at any hospital.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th, 2021.