LAHORE
New avenues of cooperation between Punjab government and Turkey would open for the development of health sector in Punjab in the wake of ongoing visit of eight-member delegation of Turkish Ministry of Health to the province.
Punjab would benefit from Turkish model of health system for introducing reforms in the health sector.
It was stated by Adviser to Chief Minister on Health Kh Salman Rafique while exchanging views with the Turkish delegation here, according to a handout issued on Thursday.
Punjab Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Secretary Najam Ahmed Shah, Primary and Secondary Health Secretary Ali Jan Khan, Fatima Jinnah Medical University Vice-Chancellor Prof Sardar Fakhar Imam, Allama Medical College Principal Prof Mahmood Shaukat and other officers attended the meeting.
The head of Turkish delegation of Ministry of Health Dr Selami Kilick gave briefing to the Punjab Health team on Turkish public health service system, mobile health services, home healthcare service for bedridden patients, health tourism, emergency health services, motorcycle emergency service, early disease warning system, immunisation of children and provision of medical as well as diagnostic facilities in the hospitals.
Dr Selami said that in Turkey vaccinators did not visit door to door for vaccination /immunisation of children but it was mandatory for parents to bring their children at the health facility/health centre for vaccination.
Adviser to Chief Minister on Health Kh Salman Rafique said that Turkish delegation had visited different health facilities in Punjab and medical colleges during their stay. He said that the delegation would submit a study report and comparison of Punjab health system and Turkish health system to Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Kh Salman Rafique said that recommendations/observations of Turkish delegation would be evaluated technically and financially. Different working groups would be constituted for this purpose. He said that Turkish health model would be studied while evolving strategy and planning for introducing further reforms for the improvement of health sector in Punjab.
Rescue 1122: Punjab Emergency Service, Rescue1122, provided first aid to 29,454 injured mourners and it removed 399 mourners to hospitals during Muharram while providing emergency medical cover to the mourning processions in all districts of Punjab.
The mourners who sustained injuries due to flagellation were provided with first aid while those having severe injuries and deep cuts were shifted to hospitals.
At least 7,000 rescuers and 637 emergency vehicles were deputed to provide medical and rescue service all over Punjab.
In Lahore, 600 rescuers remained on emergency alert with 31 fully-equipped ambulances, 15 fire vehicles and five rescue vehicles. Fifty mobile posts moved along the processions. Rescue 1122 provided first aid to 1,662 mourners and shifted 17 mourners to hospitals.
During Ashura, specialised trained rescue force, Disaster Response Force, with 55 rescuers remained high alert to meet any untoward incident in Lahore.
To provide timely medical cover to all processions, several rescue posts were established in different areas, including Imam Bargah Bhakewal Morr, Bhati Chowk, Niaz Baig village, Ali Raza Abad, H-Block Model Town, Islampura, Rang Mahal Chowk, Jafria Colony, Ada Shabil Hando village, Samanabad, Chungi Amar Sadhu, Kotha Pind, Nishat Colony, Cavalry Ground, A-Block Model Town, Nishtar Town, Batapur, Aziz Pully, Lal Pul Mughalpura and Imamia Colony, Shahdara.
Rescue 1122 Director General Mian Mohsin Rasheed appraised the performance of all rescuers. He said that rescuers were working on missionary basis to save human lives and reduce sufferings of victims of emergencies.
Police praised: Inspector General of Police, Punjab, Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera has appreciated the police officers and Jawans for dedicated duties during Muharam especially on Muharram 9 and Muharram 10.
He said despite threats of terror attacks, Punjab police provided foolproof security to Muharram processions and Majalis and proved them to be one of the best forces in the world. He hoped that Punjab police would work with the same spirit and dedication and would leave no stone unturned to maintain law and order in the province.