Imran Khan's Heart Test Denied: A Nation Demands Answers
In a grave development that has stirred the conscience of the nation, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has condemned the authorities for their continued failure to conduct a recommended computed tomography angiography (CTA) for the party's founder, Imran Khan. The demand is clear and immediate: the procedure must be conducted at Shifa International Hospital without any further delay.
What happened during Imran Khan's hospital visit?
When the former prime minister was brought to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) in the early hours of Friday for an eye procedure and other diagnostic examinations, doctors recommended a CTA of the heart. However, hospital staff reportedly claimed the facility was unavailable. After other tests, he was shifted back to Adiala jail, reportedly without undergoing the CTA, which is crucial for identifying coronary blockages and assessing the risk of a heart attack.
Sources told Dawn that the Cardiac Centre's conventional angiography facility at Pims is different from CTA. While conventional angiography involves inserting a catheter into a blood vessel, CTA is performed using a CT scanner and does not require puncturing a vein. Doctors pointed out that a 128-slice CT scanner had been operational in Pims' radiology department since March 2022 and was capable of performing CTA. A senior doctor said the patient should have been referred to the radiology department.
Why is the CTA test critical for Imran Khan?
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram cited details submitted to the court, saying a medical board of the government had examined Imran on August 10, while a Pims cardiologist had already recommended CT Coronary Angiography for him on August 1 due to fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, headaches, restlessness, and the potential risk of cardiac complications arising from his age and prolonged isolation.
“Even the government's own doctors considered this diagnostic test necessary,” Akram stated. “Yet, when Imran Khan was taken to Pims, the procedure was not performed.”
What does the PTI demand from the government?
Akram demanded that Imran's CTA be immediately conducted at Shifa International Hospital under the supervision of independent specialists and the former premier's personal physicians. He also called for the prompt disclosure of his complete medical records, reports, and diagnostic results to his family, personal doctors, and legal team.
Furthermore, the Supreme Court's August 18 decision should be fully implemented in letter and spirit, and a transparent and independent investigation should be conducted to determine why Imran was taken to Pims instead of Shifa International and why his CTA was not conducted.
“Imran Khan's heart health cannot be subjected to political calculations, administrative excuses or further delay,” Akram declared. “Political victimisation must never be permitted to endanger a human life through the denial or postponement of essential medical care.”
What is the background of this medical controversy?
The PTI has been raising concerns over Imran's health since his eye ailment, right central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), came to light in late January. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ordered the government to shift Imran to Shifa International Hospital within two days for examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board. However, the government filed a review plea against the order, which was returned by the court on Thursday with objections.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar blamed the security situation created by PTI workers for the diversion to Pims. The PTI rejected the allegation and flayed the government for flouting the Supreme Court order.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed an inquiry committee, headed by the establishment division secretary, to establish facts and fix responsibility. However, Akram rejected the government's assertions that Imran had been receiving adequate medical care, questioning why the medically recommended test was not conducted in the first instance and why coordination between the cardiology and radiology departments had failed.
Will justice prevail for Imran Khan's health?
The nation watches with bated breath as this saga unfolds. The sanctity of human life must transcend political machinations. The authorities must answer for their actions, and the Supreme Court's directives must be honoured. Imran Khan's health is not a matter of political bargaining; it is a matter of life and dignity that demands immediate and transparent action.
