Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered authorities to complete proposed short-term reforms at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) within three months, with a particular focus on fire safety and bringing the hospital in line with international requirements.
At a separate review meeting, the prime minister also directed the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to formulate a nationwide strategy for financial assistance, business promotion and technical support for small and medium enterprises and businesspersons.
Chairing a meeting on the action plan for improving PIMS in Islamabad, Shehbaz Sharif reviewed the PIMS investigative report and a performance audit conducted by the Ministry of National Health Services.
The prime minister directed that all short-term measures proposed in the inquiry report be implemented within the next three months.
He said every possible step should be taken to improve PIMS and bring its facilities and systems in line with international requirements.
The prime minister also directed authorities to seek assistance and recommendations from the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI) for strengthening the hospital’s fire safety system.
PIMS audit shows major compliance gap
The meeting was informed that the performance audit of PIMS found only 39.7% compliance, against an acceptable target of 90% among the indicators examined.
Officials briefed the prime minister on short-, medium- and long-term measures proposed to improve the hospital. The meeting was also informed that immediate implementation was being ensured on 37 measures proposed in light of the PIMS investigative report.
The government has previously taken action following the PIMS fire incident, including approval of the suspension of eight officials identified by an inquiry committee.
WHO recommendations and free medicines
Shehbaz Sharif directed that recommendations contained in the World Health Organization (WHO) report should also be implemented after due consideration. He further ordered that measures ensuring the free provision of medicines and facilities at the hospital be incorporated into the PIMS action plan.
The prime minister also directed that personnel with a good reputation should be deployed as part of efforts to improve the hospital.
A comprehensive long-term action plan for the overall improvement of PIMS is also to be prepared.
Poly Clinic audit and Islamabad fire safety
The prime minister directed that irregularities at Poly Clinic Hospital be addressed after conducting an audit. He also ordered the preparation of an action plan for the hospital’s reorganisation.
Separately, Shehbaz Sharif directed the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to ensure implementation of fire safety measures in all public and private hospitals in Islamabad.
The CDA and all relevant agencies were also directed to conduct fire safety audits of public and private offices and buildings and ensure implementation of required safety measures.
SMEDA directed to expand business support
At a separate meeting in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reviewed SMEDA initiatives for providing financial assistance and facilities to small and medium enterprises and businesspersons.
He directed SMEDA to formulate a comprehensive strategy for financial assistance covering small and medium enterprises and businesspersons across the country.
The prime minister said business promotion, equal facilities and uniform technical assistance across all regions should remain at the forefront of SMEDA’s institutional objectives.
Greater focus on women entrepreneurs
Shehbaz Sharif directed SMEDA to further expand its ongoing programmes to ensure greater participation of women in small and medium enterprises and businesses. He also called for effective use of digital platforms to give local businesspersons access to national and international trade markets.
The prime minister said the maximum possible number of regions and sectors should be incorporated into SMEDA’s business promotion strategy.
Shehbaz Sharif also directed SMEDA to prepare a strategy containing special measures to organise production and trade linkages for agricultural commodities. He said equal attention should be given to financial assistance for businesspersons, enhancement of technical capacity and the provision of necessary facilities.
The directives are aimed at widening the reach of SME support while improving the ability of local businesses to connect with domestic and international markets.
SMEDA working on integrated strategy
The meeting was briefed that initiatives were being undertaken at every level to strengthen small and medium enterprises and assist businesspersons.
Officials said work was underway in line with global best practices to increase exports of industrial production linked to small businesses and provide access to international markets.
The briefing also stated that SMEDA was working on an integrated and comprehensive strategy in collaboration with various relevant institutions.
The prime minister directed the authority to complete a comprehensive strategy covering financial support for businesspersons, enhancement of professional capacity and access to international markets.
SMEDA has recently also expanded institutional cooperation with the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme to improve access to financial and business development support for MSMEs and aspiring young entrepreneurs across Pakistan.
The PIMS meeting was attended by federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar and Syed Mustafa Kamal. Special Assistant Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath and relevant senior officials also attended the meeting.
