PROVISION OF BETTER MEDICAL FACILITIES TO PEOPLE IS MY COMMITMENT: CHIEF MINISTER MARYAM NAWAZ SHARIF

Lahore, March 2: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a 3-hour long special meeting on the restructuring of health system, consideration of an effective 5-year plan for the upgradation of health department, review of system reform and suggestions for the improvement of management of Rural Health Centers (RHCs) and dispensaries.

Madam Chief Minister approved phase-wise reforms in the health system, and the review of issues related to maternal and child health including the provision of standard treatment facilities for them. She directed the authorities concerned to ensure that there should be no hospital in the province where doctors, paramedical staff, medicines and required medical equipment are not available. She directed to form a Health Advisory Council to ensure transparency. The Health Advisory Council will include government officials, professionals and public representatives.

The Chief Minister also called for a plan for the upgradation, construction and rehabilitation of BHU and RHC. She directed to ensure uniformity in the external and internal design of BHU and RHC. Secretary C&W was asked to present mock designs of BHU and RHC in 2 weeks.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also directed to install Urdu signboards and proper floor lining in hospitals to guide the public. She approved immediate provision of free medicines to patients. Madam Chief Minister also called for a field hospital plan to bring health facilities to the doorsteps of people. She directed to send mobile health units to suburban areas and villages on scheduled days. The mobile health unit will have medical officer, LHV, dispenser and other staff besides necessary medical equipment. It was also decided in the meeting to start a pilot project from Lahore to provide health facilities to people at their doorstep.

Madam Chief Minister directed the authorities concerned to provide medical equipment to hospitals after assessing public needs.

Madam Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered to meet shortage of infant formula on priority basis. Proposals for the establishment of medical center for the treatment of heart, cancer and other diseases in each district were also evaluated in the meeting. Madam Chief Minister said, “It is my commitment to ensure better treatment facilities for every citizen of Punjab. Therefore, MS, the best medical professionals and technical members will be included in the board of management of public sector hospitals purely on merit.” She added, “I have zero tolerance for corruption and nepotism.”

Madam Maryam Nawaz Sharif also said, “A special hospital will be established to provide best cancer treatment facilities to poor patients.” She added,”Public awareness and health screening should be prioritized in the health department, and special attention should be given to mother and child health at BHU level.”

Earlier, Secretary Health Ali Jan gave a detailed briefing on 5-year plan for the upgradation of health department. Former Senator Pervez Rashid, Members Provincial Assembly Maryam Aurangzeb, Khawaja Salman Rafiq, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning and Development Board, Secretary Finance, and other relevant officials attended the meeting.