Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari on Monday defended Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s controversial action against the Medical Superintendent of Mayo Hospital last week.
Azma Bukhari dismissed the opposition leader Malik Ahmed Bhachar’s criticism, saying: “This is not your leader’s era that the chief minister would do this for publicity. In fact, CM Punjab is giving billions of rupees for medicines.”
She also reiterated that the MS Mayo Hospital spoke incorrectly while talking to the CM Punjab. She also dismissed the reports of lack of funds in Mayo Hospital, saying: “It is being said regarding MS that he resigned due to lack of medicines and funds, while Mayo Hospital had funds for medicines, then why were medicines being ordered from outside.”
Uzma Bukhari said that it is the job of the doctor and the administration to fulfill the responsibility of the money they receive, and Maryam Nawaz is asked to answer for every incident.
CM Maryam on Friday undertook a surprise visit to Mayo Hospital when a viral video clip showed Maryam snubbing the senior MS, saying: “This guy needs to be fired. Be thankful that I am not having you arrested.”
As soon as the video went viral, the incident drew strong criticism for ‘publicly humuliating’ a senior medical officer. Many people called it a publicity stunt while some suggested that health ministers should be empowered to ensure better administration in hospitals.
During her visit, the CM ordered the removal of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Asghar Nauman and Medical Superintendent Prof Dr Faisal Masood after numerous patients complained of lack basic medical supplies and medicines.
The controversy deepened when Dawn News reported that the MS Prof Dr Faisal Masood had already tendered his resignation on February 12 due to Rs3.5bn pending liabilities of Mayo Hospital.
The medical community has strongly condemned the chief minister’s actions while blaming the health minister and secretary for misguiding the CM about financial crisis the hospital was facing.
Reportedly, Punjab Health Minister Kawaja Salman Rafique had been warned multiple times by the Mayo Hospital administration regarding the severe financial crisis the hospital was going through.
