LAHORE:Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said that a baseless propaganda campaign was launched regarding the MS’s resignation, which is an irresponsible act.
She said that hospital administrations must use government-provided funds for public welfare, adding that accountability is not limited to the chief minister alone but extended to all responsible officials as well. She expressed these views during a press conference at Punjab Assembly on Monday.
Azma said that using tragedies for political purposes has become a norm in the country. She mentioned that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz recently visited Mayo Hospital to assess the healthcare facilities.
The Punjab government has increased the health budget by 500%, and primary health centres have been made functional to ensure better medical services for the general public. Azma expressed grief over the deaths of two patients due to the administration of a wrong injection at Mayo Hospital. She stated that Punjab Chief Minister was personally grieved by the incident and took immediate action, ordering strict measures against those responsible. As a result, the hospital’s MS and CEO were removed from their positions, yet this decision was subjected to undue media trial.
She further stated that the unavailability of essential medicines in hospitals is unacceptable. The chief minister questioned the MS regarding why patients were forced to purchase medicines from outside despite Mayo Hospital having a budget of Rs1.33 billion. Additionally, Rs150 million has been allocated for health insurance, yet patients continue to face difficulties, which reflected sheer negligence.
Highlighting administrative issues in the health department, Azma Bokhari stressed the need to improve its efficiency. She acknowledged that Punjab’s doctors are hardworking and dedicated but negligence will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Expressing concern over doctors’ protests and strikes, she remarked that such actions create hardships for the public and are unacceptable. She also pointed out that Maryam Nawaz is the first Chief Minister of Punjab who personally visits hospitals to assess public issues.
The provincial minister reaffirmed that the Punjab government is taking all necessary steps to provide better healthcare facilities and that no negligence will be tolerated in this regard.