Nawaz in need of constant medical attention, say doctors

RAWALPINDI: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is in need of constant medical care and attention, a medical board formed to ascertain his health said on Tuesday.

A five-member medical board formed by Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) conducted a medical check-up of Nawaz in Rawalpindi's Adiala jail on Monday, where the PML-N quaid is serving his sentence for corruption.

The medical team, which according to sources, suggested that the former premier be shifted to a hospital over fears that his condition may deteriorate if he remains in jail, visited Nawaz again today.

During their visit, which lasted approximately 2.5 hours, the doctors conducted another check-up of the premier. They also carried out medical tests and briefed Nawaz on his medical condition, sources said.

Blood samples of the incarcerated leader would be sent to a laboratory, they added. 

The medical board also apprised the jail administration of Nawaz's condition and instructed the authorities to monitor his vitals including blood pressure and sugar levels at regular intervals.

Meanwhile, the caretaker Punjab home minister said that Nawaz is absolutely fine, adding that whatever the medical board would suggest regarding his treatment would be done.

Speaking to media in Lahore, Shaukat Javed said the former premier was being provided all facilities remaining within the ambit of law.

Nawaz has been provided two bracket fans and an air conditioner, he said, adding the former premier was having home-cooked food.

Javed said that Nawaz's family was being apprised of the entire situation.

It emerged yesterday that Nawaz had refused to be shifted to a hospital despite the recommendation of the medical board. Sources privy to the matter said Nawaz was adamant that he remain in prison 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 Kiyani, who led a team of health officials which visited Nawaz in prison earlier on Sunday, told Geo News that the former premier was fine except for a deranged kidney function for which he needed to be hospitalized.

Nawaz, who flew from London to Lahore alongside his daughter Maryam Nawaz on July 13, was arrested on arrival at the Allama Iqbal International Airport, flown to Islamabad via a helicopter, and shifted to jail, where he is serving the sentence awarded to him in the Avenfield properties case along with his daughter and son-in-law Capt (retd) Safdar.