News Desk
Lahore, February 6, 2025
A leadership dispute has emerged at United Christian Hospital (UCH) following the appointment of Major (R) Sohail Khursheed as the hospital’s Interim Administrator. The appointment, made by Rt. Rev. Leo Roderick Paul, Chairman of the UCH Board of Directors and Bishop of Multan Diocese (Church of Pakistan), has sparked controversy within the hospital’s leadership, with some board members alleging procedural violations.
In an official statement, UCH confirmed that Major (R) Sohail Khursheed has been appointed as the Interim Administrator. The appointment, according to the announcement, was made after reviewing applications and consulting with the hospital’s Executive Committee. Dr. Akash Matthew, UCH’s Medical Director, welcomed the new administrator, expressing support for his leadership.
Rt. Rev. Paul emphasized that the decision was made to address ongoing administrative challenges and ensure the hospital’s smooth operation. Major (R) Sohail Khursheed has been directed to assume office immediately, working under the supervision of the Executive Committee.
However, a letter from Rev. Samuel B. Massey, Minute Secretary of the UCH Board of Directors, raises concerns over the legitimacy of the appointment process. Addressed to Rt. Rev. Paul, the letter alleges that the administrator selection bypassed the designated Search Committee, which was unanimously appointed by the full board.
The letter lists the committee members:
Rt. Rev. Dr. Azad Marshall (Convenor)
Rev. Dr. Majid Abel
Rev. Dr. Naseem Chaudhry
Dr. Akash Matthew
Rev. Shafique Alam
Rev. Shahzada Khurram
Dr. Zeerak Samuel
The objections stem from concerns that the Protestant Church’s ownership of UCH has been disregarded in the selection process. Rev. Massey and other board members demand an immediate halt to the appointment and insist that the board’s established procedures be followed.
United Christian Hospital (UCH), Board and interview committee member Capt. Baber Messi has pushed back against criticism, particularly from Rev. Samuel B. Massey. Speaking in response to the objections raised, Capt. Messi clarified that the selection process was conducted with transparency and due process.
He refuted claims that the interviews were unauthorized, stating that Rev. Dr. Majid Abel, the main priest of the Presbyterian Church and co-chair of the UCH board, was present during the interviews.
Additionally, Capt. Messi himself participated in the meeting online from Islamabad, while Rt. Rev. Leo Roderick Paul, Chairman of the Board and Bishop of Multan, also joined online from Multan along with the Most Rev. Dr. Bishop Azad Marshall.
“We followed the due process,” Capt. Messi said, adding that there is no officially designated ‘Search Committee’ in place. Instead, he explained that there was previously a Supervisory Committee, but the selection process was conducted with proper documentation and oversight.
“All the minutes of the meetings are recorded and available,” he asserted. “If anyone wants to challenge the process, they should come forward with substantial arguments rather than making baseless claims.”
Capt. Messi also provided details about the interview process, stating that six to seven candidates applied for the position, with two or three appearing for physical interviews while the rest participated online. The selection panel included two professional doctors, ensuring that the process was conducted with expertise and fairness.
Addressing allegations of corruption within the board, Capt. Messi firmly denied any wrongdoing. He emphasized that board members had taken an oath under the glory of God to serve UCH with integrity and without unconstitutional actions.
Regarding the unregistered status of the UCH board, he acknowledged that the registration process was ongoing. He explained that a key obstacle had been the absence of a permanent administrator, which had delayed the legal formalities. Now, with Major (R) Sohail Khursheed appointed, Capt. Messi expressed confidence that the registration process would be completed as a priority under the new administration.
The statement from Capt. Messi underscores the deepening divide within the UCH leadership, as opposing factions continue to dispute the legitimacy of the appointment. While one side insists on procedural violations, the other maintains that all steps were taken legally and transparently. As the situation unfolds, the future of UCH’s governance remains uncertain.
The dispute also raises questions about governance and transparency in UCH’s operations. With a divided board and conflicting claims of authority, the hospital’s administration is at risk of instability at a critical time.
As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear whether the board will take steps to reverse the appointment or if Major (R) Sohail Khursheed will continue in his new role. The coming days are likely to determine the future direction of UCH’s leadership and governance.