Maryam directs outsourcing of rural health centres

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to outsource rural health centres across Punjab.

She passed these directions while chairing a meeting on the improvement of health sector in the province. She said that the health centres will be provided with medical and diagnostic facilities on a par with big hospitals. General surgery, gynaecology, diagnostics, medical tests and other facilities will be made available. Maryam directed operationalizing the OPD of Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology Sargodha by June, and the Jinnah Hospital PIC-2 by 30 September. She also directed starting services in the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital within the stipulated time, besides completing the nomination of the board of governors and other related matters well in time. The chief minister said, “Health centres will be made initial referral centres for patients.”

Earlier, she was told that the fully revamped 225 RHCs have turned into new clinics. Revamping of 766 out of 1,147 health centres in Punjab has been completed, and 396 have been handed over to the Health Department. Free medicines worth more than Rs6.7 billion have been provided to OPDs across Punjab.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed removing the CEO and MS Mayo Hospital on public complaints during a visit to the hospital. Patients piled up complaints in front of the CM regarding non-availability of medicines, filth and other issues. A girl informed her about the sickness of her mother and that she spent the whole night getting medicines for her mother. The CM also ordered a detailed inquiry into the affairs of the hospital and sought an explanation from all stakeholders. She expressed indignation over it and reprimanded the hospital administration.

She said the condition of the Mayo Hospital is pathetic. The hospital administration is unaware of the condition of the wards. Why should people be punished for someone’s mismanagement? She expressed anger over patients not getting even syringes, canulas, etc. and the presence of insects in the cardiology ward. The CM expressed displeasure about the Mayo Hospital administration and summoned an emergency meeting at the Mayo Hospital. She also directed immediate steps to pay all outstanding dues for medicines. She directed ensuring 100 per cent supply of medicines at the hospital and directed the secretary of health to identify those responsible for committing negligence and take stern action against them.