Incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, early on Tuesday, received follow-up treatment for his eye ailment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), with doctors declaring him “clinically stable.”
In a statement, a doctor of the hospital said Khan, 73, was brought to PIMS from Adiala Jail for the second dose of an anti-VEGF intravitreal injection. “Prior to the procedure, he was examined by a board of specialists,” it said, noting this included a cardiologist who performed an echocardiography and ECG, as well as a consultant physician. The results of both his echo and ECG were “normal,” it said.
“After obtaining informed consent, and under standard monitoring, precautionary measures and protocols in the operation theater, he was injected with second dose of intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF under guidance of microscopy by consultant ophthalmologist, and consultant vitreo-retinal surgeon of PIMS and Al Shifa Eye Hospital,” it said.
“The procedure was performed as a day care surgery,” it added, meaning the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder was discharged the same day. “During the course of his stay, he remained vitally stable before, during and after the procedure, and was discharged along with instructions for care, follow up advice, and the documents,” it concluded.
According to local media, the former prime minister was shifted to hospital under heightened security, remaining there for around an hour. This is the second injection he has received for a loss of vision in his right eye, with doctors having prescribed three doses for a complete treatment. Medical experts say his third and final injection for the ailment would likely occur in a month.
Gohar confirms procedure
In a statement posted on X, PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan confirmed he was informed of the party founder’s procedure at PIMS Hospital.
“At 2 o’clock this morning, I was informed through a message that Khan Sahab had been brought to PIMS Hospital for an injection,” he wrote, adding he did not receive any prior information on the procedure or transfer to hospital.
“Our demand remains the same even today: that Khan Sahab should undergo a complete medical check-up and treatment at Shifa International Hospital in the presence of his own doctors and family members,” he added.
Reports of Khan’s eye ailment became public in January, resulting in severe criticism for the government, which had failed to transparently inform the incarcerated former prime minister’s family of his treatment. Amidst mounting anger, the Supreme Court appointed Khan’s lawyer, Salman Safdar, amicus curiae and directed him to visit Khan in Adiala Jail and submit a report.
The report claimed the PTI founder was diagnosed with central retinal vein occlusion, a disorder that commonly affects the elderly and can suggest underlying conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease. It further noted that while Khan had received the first dose of his treatment, the vision in his right eye had reduced to 15%. Subsequently, the government last week continued his treatment, with doctors saying his vision was improving with the treatment and recommending the present course continue. Khan’s family, however, has criticized this, demanding he be treated in hospital and in the presence of his sisters and personal physicians.