ISLAMABAD, Friday, April 25, 2025 (WNP): The Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), in response to a growing patient influx, has initiated a wide-ranging reform agenda for improving healthcare delivery, patient satisfaction, and institutional accountability at the country’s leading public hospital.

Speaking to this scribe, Executive Director PIMS Dr. Imran Sikandar said that the hospital is currently serving more than 9,000 patients each day—7,000 through outpatient departments (OPDs), including pediatrics and the Mother and Child Health (MCH) center, and an additional 2,000 in the emergency department.

“With such a high daily footfall, we have embarked on a strategic transformation of PIMS to enhance service quality, staff performance, and overall patient care,” Dr. Sikandar said.

Among the key reforms is the implementation of a reward and punishment system to promote accountability among healthcare staff. “This new mechanism is fostering greater commitment from doctors and paramedics,” he noted, adding that biometric attendance has been introduced to ensure punctuality and discipline.

The hospital’s burn center has also undergone significant upgrades. Two previously non-functional operation theatres have been made operational, and plastic surgeons have been assigned to the unit to improve outcomes for patients with critical injuries.

In the Mother and Child Health Department, services are now aligned with World Health Organization (WHO) protocols, ensuring internationally recognized standards for maternal and neonatal care.

All diagnostic and treatment equipment including MRI, CT scan, and dialysis units, is now fully functional. Additionally, 10 new dialysis machines are expected to be added soon through external assistance, further boosting the hospital’s capacity.

To make healthcare more accessible, evening OPDs have been launched, offering flexible timings for working patients or those unable to visit during the day.

Dr. Sikandar also highlighted improvements in patient service delivery, including streamlined registration and triage systems that have significantly reduced wait times.

He credited the federal government’s support for enabling the ongoing transformation. “These reforms are a major step towards making PIMS a model for public healthcare in Pakistan. With continued backing, we are committed to delivering top-tier medical services to every patient,” he said.

As demand continues to rise, these measures are expected to play a crucial role in positioning PIMS as a benchmark institution for quality and accessible healthcare in the country.