Chairmanship appointment under scrutiny as documents point to declining hospital indicators, while current chairperson defends performance
Metro53 - LAHORE: Administrative and financial challenges at Lahore's Sheikh Zayed Hospital have intensified concerns over the institution's performance, even as the process to appoint a permanent chairperson has entered its final stages.
According to official documents and informed sources, the hospital's bed occupancy declined from 58.72pc on June 11 to 54.2pc by June 27, while the outpatient department (OPD) and emergency patient turnout also recorded a decrease during the same period.
The developments come amid a closely watched selection process for the hospital's permanent chairperson. Sources said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif interviewed three shortlisted candidates on June 17 — Prof Dr Mansab Ali, Prof Dr Ayesha Humayun and Dr Mona Aziz.
During the meeting, the prime minister reportedly questioned the hospital's performance and referred to the removal of a previous administrator over alleged corruption, stating that an inquiry committee had subsequently been constituted.
According to sources, Prof Dr Mansab Ali belongs to a clinical specialty, whereas Prof Dr Ayesha Humayun and Dr Mona Aziz are associated with basic medical sciences. Sources further claimed that previous chairpersons of Sheikh Zayed Hospital have traditionally been appointed from clinical disciplines such as surgery or medicine, arguing that clinicians generally possess greater experience in managing hospital operations. This claim could not be independently verified.
Hospital documents reviewed by Metro 53 News indicate that shortages of laboratory investigations and other diagnostic services have affected timely diagnosis, forcing some patients to seek tests from private laboratories.
Sources also alleged that shortages of essential and life-saving medicines have compelled patients to purchase drugs at their own expense, raising concerns about continuity of treatment.
Hospital finances have also come under pressure following the suspension of the Sehat Sahulat Programme, according to sources. They claimed that the suspension has reduced the availability of cashless treatment for eligible patients while significantly affecting the hospital's revenue. They further alleged that payments for nearly 1,500 Sehat Sahulat Programme cases remain outstanding, adding to the institution's financial difficulties.
Separately, sources referred to an incident in which a female attendant allegedly faced sexual harassment by a senior faculty member. However, the allegation could not be independently verified, and no official findings confirming the claim were available.
Sources also alleged that influential figures within the federal government are supporting the appointment of a female candidate for the chairperson's position. They further claimed that the recruitment process was advertised twice and that the second process was managed to favour a particular candidate. Metro 53 News could not independently verify these allegations, and no official response was available regarding the claims.
Responding to questions, the hospital's current chairperson and dean, Prof Dr Ayesha Humayun, rejected the impression of deteriorating performance.
She said she holds a PhD in public health and has extensive administrative experience. According to her, bed occupancy stood between 30pc and 35pc before she assumed office and has since increased to more than 50pc during her six-month tenure.
She also maintained that occupancy statistics are affected because several specialised departments do not routinely admit patients, yet their beds are included in the overall calculation, which lowers the aggregate occupancy rate.
No official announcement has yet been made regarding the appointment of the hospital's permanent chairperson.
