Health Minister Patel happy to be called ‘Munna Bhai MBBS’

Federal Health Minister Abdul Qadir Patel said that he is happy to be called “Munna Bhai MBBS” — a well-known character played by Sanjay Dutt in the 2003 Bollywood film of the same title.

The health minister was responding to questions from reporters who reminded him of criticism Patel had faced for not being a physician himself.

Speaking at the Karachi Press Club, the Minister of Health said that he had never said that he would perform surgical procedures or write prescriptions.

Patel said that when anyone called him Munna Bhai MBBS he enjoyed it. “It is a wonderful film. He [the main character] heals everyone with his jadoo ki jhappi (magical embrace).”

“When I said I would perform surgery or prescribe medication for people. I’m responsible for administrative oversight. It’s about getting it right,” he said.

The health minister also said he had never objected to the appointment of Pervez Khattak as defence minister under the former PTI government. He looked into Khattak’s leanness.

Patel described himself as a political worker who spent 30 years on the streets of Karachi and knew the whole story.

The minister of health brushed aside reports that the current government would end the health card project launched by the PTI government.

Patel is one of the most outspoken politicians in the country. However, he was criticized after replacing Dr.Faisal Sultan in April.

Sultan, who was not elected to the National Assembly, served as special assistant to the PM and was instrumental in efforts to curb COVID-19.