Mustafa Kamal questions PIMS fee policy

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) charging treatment fees to 10% of its patients, questioning the rationale behind the policy.

In a statement, the minister said it was inappropriate for PIMS to provide free treatment to 90% of patients while charging the remaining 10%.

“If 90% of patients are being treated free of cost, why should the remaining 10% be charged?” Kamal questioned.

The health minister directed the PIMS administration to provide details of the fees being collected from patients and the revenue generated through the charges. He also expressed displeasure with PIMS Executive Director Dr Muhammad Salman over the matter.

Kamal said the administration had previously been asked to submit details regarding the collection of fees from the 10% category of patients. He stressed that the issue needed to be examined to determine the basis and justification for the charges.

The minister also expressed concern that patients who were required to pay for treatment could develop a negative perception of PIMS and discuss their experience with others, potentially affecting the reputation of the public-sector hospital.

Kamal said the government should ensure equitable access to healthcare at PIMS and indicated that he would raise the matter with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He said he would seek the prime minister’s support for providing free treatment to 100% of patients at PIMS, rather than maintaining a system under which a portion of patients is required to pay.