PIMA warns of worsening public health crisis in Pakistan, calls for inquiry into flawed policies

PIMA warns of worsening public health crisis in Pakistan, urges government to reform policies and appointments

KARACHI: The Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) has voiced grave concerns over what it describes as a deepening public health crisis in Pakistan. Citing recent findings from The Global Fund’s audit report and media reports, the association pointed to alarming trends such as a 400% increase in HIV-related deaths, 70% of drug-resistant TB cases remaining undiagnosed, and a surge in malaria cases across the country.

While speaking to the press, PIMA Central President Prof. Atif Hafeez Siddiqui strongly criticized the government’s approach to healthcare governance and policy implementation. He noted that the failure to include qualified medical professionals in key decision-making roles has led to catastrophic outcomes in disease control and public health management.

“We are witnessing a systemic breakdown in public health due to appointments based on favoritism and political expediency,” said Prof. Siddiqui. “A glaring example is the recent appointment of a non-medical individual as Deputy Coordinator in the TB control program, which goes against High Court orders, violates merit, and completely disregards the advertised requirements.”

Prof. Siddiqui warned that such actions not only compromise institutional integrity but also put millions of lives at risk.

According to PIMA, doctors and healthcare workers in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are currently facing uncertainty, political pressure, and professional discouragement—all under the guise of so-called reforms. The association claims that past and present governments have consistently excluded healthcare professionals from policymaking, relying instead on handpicked advisors with little understanding of public health challenges.

Key demands by PIMA:

• A high-level, transparent inquiry based on the Global Fund report
• Immediate removal of unqualified individuals from leadership roles in national health programs
• Ensuring merit-based appointments of experienced medical professionals
• Making health policy decisions free from political interference
• Formal inclusion of healthcare experts in policy formulation to improve outcomes

PIMA has urged the government to act urgently and responsibly, emphasizing that the lives and wellbeing of the people of Pakistan depend on credible, qualified, and transparent leadership in the health sector.

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