By Farzana Chaudhry — Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Lahore has demanded that the government conduct a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation into the deaths of innocent children at PIMS and determine those responsible for the tragedy.

The demand was made during a press conference held at PM House in Lahore regarding the deaths of children in the PIMS incident. The press conference was attended by Professor Dr. Shahid Malik, President PMA Lahore; Professor Dr. Ashraf Nizami, Senior Leader PMA; Dr. Izhar Ahmed Chaudhry, Central President PMA Centre; Dr. Kamran Saeed, President PMA Punjab; Dr. Wajid Ali, General Secretary PMA Lahore; Dr. Iram Shahzadi, Finance Secretary PMA Lahore; Dr. Kamran Ahmed, General Secretary PMA Punjab; Dr. Nader Khan, Divisional Vice President Lahore Division PMA Punjab; and Dr. Ahmed Naeem Akhtar, Vice President PMA, among others.

The participants said that a patient, particularly an innocent child, is not merely a file, number or statistic but the hope, future and lifeline of a family.

They demanded a comprehensive and impartial inquiry to establish the facts and fix responsibility for the deaths. They said that if the investigation establishes administrative negligence or other failures, merely taking formal action against those responsible would not be sufficient. The principle of accountability, they stressed, must apply equally at every level.

The PMA Lahore also demanded that the government offer an unconditional apology to the affected families, acknowledge their pain and loss, take them into confidence and disclose all facts relating to the incident.

The participants further said that senior officials holding key administrative positions should also undertake a moral assessment of their responsibility. They observed that if a health minister or relevant administrative head believes they bear moral responsibility for a serious administrative failure within their jurisdiction, resignation from office can be considered a respectable democratic and ethical tradition of accountability.

The PMA Lahore therefore demanded that the concerned health minister and PIMS administration clearly explain their moral and administrative responsibility in the matter and inform the nation about what measures had been taken to prevent such incidents and why those measures failed.

The speakers said that the Pakistan Medical Association is committed to protecting not only the rights of doctors but also the rights of patients.

“We are not appealing to the government but demanding responsible action,” the participants said, stressing that the value of human life is greater than any position, institution or administrative expediency.

The Pakistan Medical Association Lahore expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and reiterated its resolve to continue raising its voice for patients’ rights, safe treatment and improved healthcare facilities.