SIALKOT: The Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has raised serious concerns over alleged corruption and regulatory failures in Pakistan’s health sector, saying the scale of financial irregularities in healthcare is greater than in other sectors.
The minister mentioned the importance of providing modern healthcare facilities to industrial workers, particularly in a city where a large workforce is connected with the industrial sector.
Khawaja Asif said modern facilities had been provided at the Social Security Hospital for factory workers. He noted that Sialkot holds significant economic importance because of its internationally recognised products and large industrial workforce.
The minister said workers associated with the city’s industries deserved quality healthcare facilities and that providing them with “A-class” medical services was necessary.
He also announced that facilities for cancer treatment and a burns unit would soon be made available at hospitals in Sialkot, potentially expanding access to specialised healthcare for local residents.
PIMS Incident Raises Serious Questions
In this regard, Khawaja Asif said the incident was linked to corruption and described it as a major warning sign for the healthcare system.
He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had taken notice of the matter and stressed that the developments at PIMS should be treated as a serious cause for concern.
According to the minister, the episode exposed weaknesses that required immediate attention and stronger oversight within the health sector.
Khawaja Asif also questioned the role of regulatory authorities, alleging that several stakeholders at PIMS were involved in the problems that emerged there.
Using strong language, he compared the situation to placing alleged wrongdoers in positions responsible for policing them. He claimed that financial interests had overshadowed the primary objective of providing healthcare.
The remarks underscore growing concerns about transparency, accountability and regulatory enforcement in public healthcare institutions.
The defence minister further claimed that several major hospitals in Rawalpindi were operating without registration. The allegation highlights broader concerns about regulation and oversight beyond PIMS.
Khawaja Asif’s statements come amid renewed attention to the quality of healthcare services, regulatory mechanisms and accountability in medical institutions.
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The minister stressed the need for improved healthcare facilities for workers and patients while pointing towards stronger oversight as an essential step in addressing alleged malpractice and corruption.
