Health ministers vow to maintain uninterrupted patient care

LAHORE:Punjab Health Ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique and Khawaja Imran Nazir declared that any disruption in patient care at government hospitals will not be tolerated. They stated this while chairing a comprehensive review meeting on Sunday at the Department of Primary and Secondary Health Care.

The agenda included assessing the safety and functionality of hospital infrastructure, such as fire safety systems, electrical installations, and air conditioning. Salman Rafique highlighted the government’s commitment to the health sector in the 2024-25 budget, emphasising the goal to expedite hospital revamps. He noted past corrupt practices in the appointment of medical superintendents and principals, assuring that current appointments are based on merit. Reflecting on tragic incidents at various hospitals, he stressed the government’s accountability and the imperative to uphold the dignity of doctors, condemning unproductive strikes and affirming that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz would engage with health professionals soon. Khawaja Imran Nazir reiterated the commitment to patient safety, condemning blackmail and emphasising resolution through dialogue rather than strikes. He called for rigorous checks and balances and a crackdown on corruption, pledging transparency and decisive action to address failures in the health system. The meeting saw participation from key health officials, including Secretary Health Punjab Ali Jan Khan and VCs from major medical universities, through a video link conference.

Meanwhile, Punjab Health Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee for Law and Order, Khawaja Salman Rafique, has announced comprehensive security measures on Eidul Azha. During a visit to the Provincial Intelligence Control Room at the Interior Department on Sunday, he assessed the monitoring systems for Eid. He emphasised enhanced security protocols, stating that all district activities would be overseen by officers stationed at the Home Department’s control room. He highlighted that unauthorised cattle markets and the burning of animal waste had been strictly prohibited throughout the province.

Additionally, a ban had been enforced on proscribed organisations collecting sacrificial animals’ hides. During his visit, the minister was briefed by relevant officers, including Special Secretary Interior Fazalur Rehman, Deputy Director Shahzad Ahmed Khan, and Assistant Director Tahir Mehmood, who outlined the monitoring and enforcement strategies designed to ensure a safe and orderly Eid celebration.