Dr Asim Yusuf breaks silence on Imran Khan’s eye health

ISLAMABAD: Dr. Asim Yusuf, Chief Medical Officer at Shaukat Khanum Hospital and long-time personal physician of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, has spoken about the former prime minister’s eye health and the medical attention he requires.

Dr. Asim clarified that rumors about Imran Khan’s health circulating worldwide are exaggerated. Recently, the government confirmed that he is experiencing some eye-related issues and was taken to a government hospital in Islamabad for treatment. However, detailed information about the exact nature of his eye problem, the tests conducted, or the medications administered has not yet been made public.

He explained that the condition concerns the retina, a medical issue that cannot be treated by every doctor and requires a specialized ophthalmologist. Retinal diseases can be linked to other conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or increased blood clotting, which can block arteries. Therefore, thorough testing for these underlying conditions is also necessary.

Dr. Asim emphasized that treatment should involve not only a retina specialist but also a general physician. He and Dr. Faisal Sultan have been Imran Khan’s doctors for over 30 years. Salman Akram Raja contacted Dr. Asim regarding a possible meeting with Imran Khan, and Dr. Asim requested Dr. Khurram, a well-known Lahore ophthalmologist, to accompany him. Despite arriving at Adiala Jail at 11 pm on short notice, they were not allowed to meet the former prime minister. After waiting for about one and a half hours, they had to leave, hoping permission would be granted the next morning, but it was not.

Dr. Asim clarified that there was no mistreatment by law enforcement agencies, contrary to some claims. They merely had to wait outside for a short period before leaving. He stressed that he is not requesting a long-term hospital admission but highlighting that this is a condition that requires repeated treatment, which is only possible in a proper medical setting.

He added that he has provided the legal team with the names of two other retina specialists who could assist if Dr. Khurram is unavailable. Dr. Asim appealed for transparency regarding Imran Khan’s health, the tests conducted, and the planned future treatment. He stressed that retinal treatment is crucial and that every Pakistani has the right to know about the care Imran Khan is receiving. He also requested that his medical team be allowed to participate in the treatment and monitoring of the former prime minister.