Dr ishtiaq malik hota Pakistan

Joining as a chairman at HOTA Pakistan:

Dr Ishtiaq Malik, an expert nuclear cardiologist and internist served in Washington USA, who was appointed as the Head of HOTA Pakistan, by the Prime minister Nawaz Sharif in April 2017.

Dr Ishtiaq Malik was considered as one of the best cardiologists in America. He was regarded as an expert in the internal diseases of human beings. Dedicated to his profession, he focused his energy for the betterment and welfare of people. He was an entrusted physician whose patients relied on him for their problems related to health.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, by considering Dr Ishtiaq Malik experience, dedication and hard work, selected him to be the chairman of HOTA. HOTA is a government body, working to regulate the laws pertaining to Organ transplantation in Pakistan. Dr Ishtiaq Malik was considered as the most eligible person for this position. Prime Minister trusted him and his capabilities of tackling any hectic situation.  

Dr Ishtiaq Malik was widely known for his research in the field of ‘Myocardial Perfusion Studies’. Myocardial Perfusion is basically describing the blood flow through the heart muscles. Myocardial Perfusion test highlights the main areas of the heart where the blood flow is inadequate with condition of the heart muscles that are weakly pumping the blood and helps in diagnosing the heart diseases. This test is also referred to as nuclear stress test. Dr Ishtiaq Malik was an enthusiastic for pursuing the Myocardial Perfusion Studies. He raised many advancements related to human heart muscles and their working. Understanding the weakening of heart muscles, Dr Ishtiaq Malik conducted many experiments which led him to ultimate success and zeal.

 His appointment ignited some major criticism and wrath in civil society due to the alleged corruption charges against him in USA. There was a start of new chapter of lobbying and many circles from civil society turned against him but many reinforced him. Hence there was a section who supported him and the decision of Prime Minister. This circle included those people who wanted him to be the chairman of HOTA, on account of his professional qualification and vast experience in the medical field. 

Out of the professional jealousy and many other reasons, a section of people conspired against him to remove him from the position. This section included some professionals from the different fields as well as doctors. By highlighting the negative points against him only, they proved Dr ishtiaq Malik not worthy of the position, by ignoring his qualification and 29 years of experience in the field of medical research. 

There were two options presented to him by officials at NHS, either to resign or to be expelled from the position of chairman of HOTA Pakistan. After two weeks of his appointment, the nascent head of HOTA had resigned from the position himself.

What is HOTA ?

Founded in September 4, 2007, HOTA, abbreviated as Human organ transplant authority, is revolving around the aim of providing the rules and regulations for organ transplantation and its trade in Pakistan. After the promulgation of an Ordinance titled, “Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Ordinance 2007”, this organization came into being for bringing back the dignity of human life. In addition, HOTA has set its wheels in motion to curtail the illegal organ trade in Pakistan.

In 2016, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has placed HOTA under the Ministry of National Health Services (NHS). Previously, it was working under the ministry of Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD).

The Human Organ transplantation authority is committed to revolutionize the health care facilities for the people by regulating the procedures involving the human organ transplantation in public or private sectors of Pakistan. As Per the official website of HOTA, there were 2000 kidney transplantations cases in Pakistan, out of which 1500 cases related to foreigners. In the cause of regulating the authority laws for the health care and organ transplantation, HOTA has taken many responsible actions, including the issuance of the letter to ministry of foreign affairs for mandating the health certificate and mentioning visit purpose of foreigners clearly. HOTA is primarily focusing on the goal of no providence of kidney from poor people in the country. For this purpose, it has established a “Monitoring and Enforcement Cell” to monitor the transplant activities in transplant centers.

HOTA is vigorously involved in establishing the media cell for public awareness and a welfare trust for the helping the poor patients. The future projects also include the establishment of the legal section for prosecuting the criminals.