The government re-opened Bone Marrow Transplant Center (BMTC) of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) after Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Monday asked the authorities to open the facility within hours.
The Chief Justice had taken notice of BMTC's closure by PIMS administration on the complaint of the parents of the children getting treatment at the facility.
The parents stated that bone marrow transplant is the only cure available to children with thalassemia major and around 500 children are on the waiting list for transplants.
After hearing the case, the Chief Justice directed the government to open the centre by 4:00pm or be ready to face the music. The order from the top judge of the country put the PIMS administration on the toes, and the centre was opened within an hour of the court order.
During the course of hearing, the Chief Justice had directed PIMS authorities to pay the staff's outstanding dues and reinstate employees who have been dismissed, adding that the existing staff would continue working until new appointments are made.
The Chief Justice had also ordered that new staff be appointed through the Public Service Commission.
When the Chief Justice asked why the BMTC was being closed, Dr Amjad from Pims told the court that the step was taken after two doctors and a nurse were not offered permanent positions.
Dr Amjad said that the hospital authorities had written to CADD 13 times but the department had not offered permanent positions to the staff members.
The CJ regretted that the court had to perform the functions of the executive as well. He added that the judiciary would not have to interfere in state matters if the government does its job.
"Does the Supreme Court have to do everything?" he asked. "People say we are sacrificing our job. I don't take even my weekly offs."
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