Maryam vows zero tolerance for negligence in healthcare

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has stressed that healthcare is a matter of life and death, warning that negligence in this sector will not be tolerated.

“I want to improve every hospital in Punjab,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz while inaugurating a new emergency block at the Indus Hospital in Jubilee Town. “We will enhance the healthcare system by leveraging the expertise and experience of Indus Hospital.”

She called for a comprehensive plan to upgrade government hospitals in collaboration with industrial trusts. She agreed to joint initiatives for paediatric heart surgeries, saying, “We will collaborate with Indus Hospital for heart and bone marrow transplants.”

The chief minister visited various departments of the hospital, inspecting resuscitation areas, paediatric units, CT scan facilities, nursing stations, information desk and family medicine centers. She spoke with children getting treatment in the emergency ward.

During her visit, she observed the hospital’s treatment procedures and paperless dashboard system. “We are working tirelessly, driven by a sense of service and accountability to God,” she said. “Leadership comes with heavy responsibilities, and a good decision can improve millions of lives.”

She said, “The Air Ambulance Service is playing a significant role in saving lives daily.” She noted that patients from across Pakistan come to Punjab for treatment, adding, “Up to 90% of medicines are being provided for free in Punjab hospitals.”

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took immediate notice of inaction by police officers regarding a woman’s complaint against on-duty police officials at Indus Hospital. She summoned the DIG Investigation, instructed him to resolve the issue promptly, and submit a report. Additionally, she directed authorities to ensure the construction of ramps in buildings to accommodate persons with disabilities. Earlier, the chief minister got a detailed briefing on Indus Hospital’s operations. She was informed that “seven million patients have benefitted from free, quality treatment under the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Trust.”

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in her message on World Migratory Bird Day, said “Migratory birds are a priceless gift of nature,” highlighting their important role in maintaining environmental balance. “Migratory birds contribute to the fertility of our lands,” she said, stressing the need to protect the natural environment for their preservation.

Maryam said, “A wildlife force is being established in Punjab to safeguard our natural assets.” A crackdown on illegal hunting is underway. “The Punjab government is utilising all possible resources to ensure safe habitats for migratory birds and conservation of forests,” she said, adding that eco-friendly measures are being implemented to address the challenges facing wildlife.

She concluded, “As responsible citizens, we must play our part in protecting migratory birds and other wildlife. Birds are a beautiful heritage of nature, and their preservation is a duty for all of us.”