Associations of Pakistani Physicians & Surgeons of the United Kingdom (APPS UK) Statement on the Denial of Timely Medical Care to Imran Khan
This statement is issued to express grave concern over the reported denial of timely medical treatment to Former Prime Minster of Pakistan Mr. Imran Khan following the diagnosis of Central Retinal Vein Thrombosis (CRVT) in his right eye, a serious and sight-threatening vascular condition requiring urgent intervention.
CRVT is widely recognized as a medical emergency where early diagnosis and prompt specialist management are critical to preserving vision. Reports indicate that appropriate treatment was delayed for approximately three months. As a consequence of this delay, Mr. Imran Khan has reportedly suffered permanent visual impairment, with only 10–15% residual vision remaining in the affected eye
CRVT is widely recognized as a medical emergency where early diagnosis and prompt specialist management are critical to preserving vision. Reports indicate that appropriate treatment was delayed for approximately three months. As a consequence of this delay, Mr. Imran Khan has reportedly suffered permanent visual impairment, with only 10–15% residual vision remaining in the affected eye
Access to timely and adequate medical care is not a privilege, it is a fundamental human right. International human rights principles affirm that every individual, without discrimination or exception, is entitled to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. The denial, obstruction, or unreasonable delay of essential medical treatment, particularly in cases involving preventable disability, constitutes a serious violation of this right
Where an individual is under state custody or state supervision, the duty of care is heightened. Authorities bear an affirmative legal and moral obligation to ensure prompt access to appropriate medical specialists, diagnostic services, and necessary treatment. Failure to do so may amount to inhuman and degrading treatment, especially when it results in irreversible harm.
Permanent vision loss caused by delayed medical intervention raises urgent and legitimate concerns regarding, violation of the right to health, breach of the duty of care owed by responsible authorities, potential infringement of protections against cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and lack of transparency and accountability in medical decision-making.
APPS UK along with our global partners call for immediate treatment of former prime minister Imran Khan by properly qualified & trained retinal surgeons.
No individual regardless of political status or circumstance should suffer preventable and permanent disability due to delayed access to essential healthcare. The protection of human dignity and the right to health must remain paramount.
Silence in the face of preventable harm is not neutrality, it is complicity. Transparency, accountability, and justice are now imperative.
