- PIMS medical board conducts former PM’s ECG, blood and sugar tests
RAWALPINDI: The five-member PIMS board formed to conduct medical examination of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday stated that he is in need of constant medical care and attention.
The medical board formed by PIMS [Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences] reached Adiala Jail to examine Nawaz’s health again. Nawaz’s doctors had earlier suggested that Nawaz should be shifted to a hospital over fears that his condition may deteriorate if he remains in jail.
The doctors conducted echocardiogram, blood and sugar tests of the incarcerated leader, and also checked his blood pressure. It was also reported that the medical team has requested a change in Nawaz’s medication.
Earlier, on Monday, Nawaz had refused to be shifted to a hospital despite the recommendation of the medical board and use the facilities available there.
As per his medical report, there is a risk of Nawaz’s kidneys failing due to a lack of water. “Heat and lack of sleep have also affected the former premier’s health,” the report stated, warning that his heart ailment could worsen if his condition did not improve.
Dr Azhar Kiani had on Sunday suggested shifting Nawaz to the hospital to be treated for dehydration that might lead to heart and kidney complications.
According to the report, Nawaz has a long history of heart problems and has already twice undergone procedures, including a bypass surgery. He also suffers from hypertension, associated sub-normal kidney function, and other complications. Eyewitnesses have been reported as saying that Nawaz’s physician was not allowed to accompany him when he was taken to Adiala jail.
The report said that doctors who examined Nawaz at Adiala Jail knew about his critical condition, including heart disease and that the current weather – fluctuating between extreme humidity and heat – was inevitably going to adversely affect his health.
However, the jail authorities or “whoever is in control of these matters” chose not to provide him with an air conditioner that was “so necessary” because of his heart condition, it added.
Moreover, a petition was moved in the Supreme Court’s Lahore Registry requesting the court to declare the residences of Nawaz, daughter Maryam and son-in-law Capt (r) Muhammad Safdar as sub-jails.
The petition, submitted by Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz’s (PML-N) Barrister Zafarullah Khan, stated that as the corruption trial against Nawaz is still pending, his residence can be declared a sub-jail.
Nawaz is currently serving 10-year imprisonment sentenced by an accountability court in the Avenfield apartments corruption reference filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).