“I can even leave The Ministry: Mustafa Kamal warns over PIMS ED

Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has expressed serious dissatisfaction over the administration of the Pakistan Institute

ISLAMABAD: Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has expressed serious dissatisfaction over the administration of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), warning that he could resign from the ministry if no action is taken against the hospital’s Executive Director.

Speaking about the situation at PIMS, Kamal made it clear that he was not interested in retaining his ministerial position if accountability was not ensured at the country’s largest public-sector hospital in the federal capital.

“If no action is taken against the Executive Director of PIMS, then I have no such passion for the ministry; I can even leave the ministry,” the minister said.

The remarks have highlighted growing tensions between the Ministry of National Health Services and the administration of PIMS, with questions being raised over the hospital’s management, staffing shortages and administrative structure.

The PIMS Executive Director responded to the minister’s remarks, appearing to reject the suggestion that he should be held responsible for the problems facing the institution.

“I cannot even leave the post morally. What is my fault?” the Executive Director said.

The ED did not elaborate on the specific allegations or issues to which he was responding. However, officials and sources familiar with the situation said the disagreement comes at a time when PIMS is facing pressure over vacant positions, administrative appointments and the quality of healthcare services being provided to patients.

The exchange between the minister and the hospital administration has also raised questions about the chain of responsibility at PIMS and whether the institution’s existing governance structure is capable of addressing its longstanding problems.

The minister’s warning comes shortly after he informed the National Assembly on August 24 that PIMS was operating with 963 vacant positions.

According to the figures presented before the assembly, the vacancies include 385 posts for doctors and 363 positions for nurses, creating additional pressure on an already overburdened healthcare system.

Previous reporting by Minute Mirror has also highlighted concerns regarding the appointment of clinicians to important administrative positions at PIMS. Among those positions are Director OPD, Director Emergency and Director Planning, with medical professionals reportedly occupying several management roles.

The issue is significant because the Supreme Court, in a 2016 ruling, had directed the government to appoint qualified administrators to manage federal hospitals. The court had observed that assigning administrative responsibilities to clinicians could deprive patients of their medical expertise.

The latest statements indicate a widening disagreement between the health ministry and PIMS management. While the minister’s remarks reflect frustration over the lack of action, the ED’s response suggests that he believes he is being held responsible without sufficient justification.

Health-sector experts believe the dispute points to a broader governance problem within public hospitals, where administrative authority, accountability and professional responsibilities can often overlap.

For now, the Ministry of National Health Services has not announced any formal inquiry or disciplinary action against the PIMS Executive Director.

Minute Mirror has contacted the ministry and PIMS administration for clarification regarding the allegations, the minister’s concerns and any action being considered against the ED.

The report will be updated once official responses are received.