The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA), Lahore, has formally urged the Governor of Punjab to reject the resignation of the Vice-Chancellor of Nishtar Medical University, Dr. Samina Khalid. The PMA believes the resignation was tendered under undue pressure, following allegations related to the spread of AIDS among kidney dialysis patients at the university’s hospital.
At a press conference held at the PMA House, key figures, including Prof. Ashraf Nizami, Dr. Kamran Saeed, Prof. Shahid Malik, and Dr. Izhar Ahmad Chaudhry, voiced their concerns. They claimed that Dr. Khalid had been subjected to unwarranted humiliation by the Punjab Chief Minister, leading to her resignation.
The PMA leaders emphasized that the dialysis machines used at Nishtar University are equipped with inbuilt disinfection capabilities, significantly reducing the likelihood of disease transmission, including AIDS. They raised questions about the validity of the claims surrounding the dialysis incidents, suggesting the government had not thoroughly investigated possible third-party negligence in the matter.
Additionally, they pointed out discrepancies in the Punjab Health Department’s guidelines for dialysis procedures, especially concerning the testing duration, which has caused confusion. Recently updated protocols from the AIDS Control Programme have contributed to what they described as policy chaos within the health department.
In light of these concerns, the PMA has called for a high-level inquiry led by a multidisciplinary committee. This proposed panel would include experts such as infectious disease specialists, nephrologists, epidemiologists, biomedical engineers, AIDS Control Program professionals, representatives from the Punjab Healthcare Commission, and a retired judge. The committee would be tasked with conducting an independent investigation into the issue, under the supervision of the PMA.
The PMA also expressed its commitment to ensuring accountability in the health sector and demanded clarity on the role of the Punjab Health Department in this crisis. They called on the government to act swiftly to prevent further damage to the reputation of the university and safeguard public health.
