BY : FT Correspondent:
ISLAMABAD — Senator Sherry Rehman, Vice President of the Pakistan Peoples Party, along with PPP Secretary General Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari, visited PIMS Hospital and expressed deep grief over the deaths of 14 children, demanding accountability for the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Senator Sherry Rehman said the loss of innocent lives at the federal capital’s largest public hospital was deeply distressing and had left the entire country in mourning.
“Every mother and every father is heartbroken. It is deeply tragic that 14 innocent children lost their lives in this tragic incident.”
Senator Rehman said, “I would have resigned on the spot. No one has voluntarily resigned. Shameful!”
“Nayyar Bokhari and I were totally shaken by the state of the children’s ward of the hospital. People had to break windows and jump out. Emergency gate was closed, fire equipment was not working, medical staff was not present. It is a terrible tragedy. There was absolute criminal negligence all round in this public hospital of the federal capital.“
Senator Rehman underscored “The federal health ministry should have ceased to exist by now after devolution but unfortunately this is how it limps on claiming more and more public money. PPP is always available for assistance and aid. It is pertinent to note that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was the first to take notice of this horrific tragedy.”
Senator Rehman stressed that the condition of some of the children was so critical that their families were initially unable to identify them, adding that the administration had failed to provide adequate support and cooperation to grieving parents.
“This tragedy raises serious questions that cannot simply be set aside. Some incidents are discussed for a few days and then forgotten, but the loss of these children demands answers and accountability,” Senator Rehman said.
She noted that while the Prime Minister had taken notice of the incident, the Executive Director of PIMS must also explain the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
According to the information received by Senator Rehman, there was no water available following the incident and emergency gates were closed. She also raised concerns over reports that doctors were not available when they were needed.
“Ask the mothers who have lost their children. Ask the families who are grieving the loss of their loved ones. They deserve answers, accountability and justice,” she said.
Senator Rehman stressed that the PPP delegation had visited PIMS not for political point-scoring, but to raise the concerns of the public and demand that those responsible be identified and held accountable.
“We have not come here to do politics. Our leadership has sent us to ask the questions being raised by the people and to ensure that those responsible are exposed and held accountable,” she said.
Senator Rehman further questioned the continued role and functioning of the federal Ministry of Health, arguing that public funds must be accompanied by effective delivery and accountability.
“The Ministry of Health has no justification for continuing to draw public funds in its present form. Its functions should either be abolished or devolved to the provinces,” she said.
Senator Rehman called for a transparent investigation into the incident, stressing that the deaths of 14 children must not be allowed to become another forgotten tragedy.
