The Ministry of Health has strongly defended the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in response to widespread social media claims alleging negligence in the treatment of a snake bite victim.

Social media posts suggested that a child, reportedly named Ali Hassan, was denied timely anti-snake venom treatment at PIMS and had to be shifted to a private hospital where his life was saved.

Addressing the controversy, a health ministry spokesperson clarified that the child was brought to the PIMS emergency ward on July 31 at 8:35 AM with symptoms of a snake bite. A general medicine and critical care team responded immediately, and the patient’s laboratory tests were sent within 18 minutes.

The spokesperson stated that the child was administered two infusions of anti-snake venom, with 10 vials per infusion, totaling 20 vials. The treatment was provided by standard medical procedures. The ministry also confirmed that over 700 vials of anti-snake venom (ASV) are currently available at PIMS.

The child displayed neurotoxic symptoms, and his respiratory condition worsened, indicating a need for ventilator support. However, at that critical moment, no ICU ventilator was available at PIMS. The family was informed, and efforts were made to secure a ventilator elsewhere.

PIMS Executive Director, Rana Imran Sikander, confirmed that after verifying ventilator availability in other hospitals, the patient was given a formal referral and was transferred to Shifa Hospital to ensure continued treatment and survival.

A female doctor from PIMS added that the child received timely medical attention from both the postgraduate trainee and the on-call senior doctor. The clinical staff ensured the administration of 20 vials of anti-snake venom, following all protocols.