Shifa specialists join Imran’s eye assessment
The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) has confirmed that two specialists from Shifa International Hospital were involved in the eye examination of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan.
According to a statement issued by PIMS on Saturday, Imran Khan was brought to the Islamabad hospital during the night between August 20 and 21 for a medical examination and treatment.
The institute said the ophthalmological assessment was carried out with the participation of two Shifa International specialists. Other required examinations were conducted by doctors at PIMS.
PIMS said the findings from the eye assessment were reviewed alongside the results of investigations conducted by its own medical specialists. A medical board consisting of PIMS doctors subsequently compiled the overall medical fitness report.
However, the institute said it would not make the contents of the medical report public.
PIMS cited patient confidentiality as well as directions issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan for withholding the details of the report.
The clarification comes amid controversy over the treatment and medical care being provided to Imran Khan, who is currently detained at Adiala Jail.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court had directed that Imran Khan be shifted to Shifa International Hospital for treatment for several days. The court also ordered the government to facilitate weekly meetings between him and his family.
The Supreme Court further directed authorities to provide access to Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan. It ordered the formation of a medical board that would include an ophthalmologist, general physician and cardiologist, along with Dr Sultan.
The government subsequently filed a review petition against the court’s order, describing the decision as discriminatory.
Confusion arose later when reports suggested that Imran Khan was being moved from Adiala Jail to Shifa International Hospital. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar later said that the former prime minister had instead been taken to PIMS because of security concerns surrounding Shifa Hospital and the route leading to it.
Tarar said doctors from Shifa International were also present during the medical examination at PIMS. After the examination, Imran Khan was declared medically fit and taken back to Adiala Jail.
The development has drawn further attention from PTI and Imran Khan’s family, who have repeatedly raised concerns about his health and medical treatment.
Imran Khan’s sister, Dr Uzma Khan, also spoke publicly after meeting him and alleged that he was facing severe injustice and mistreatment.