Medicines’ supply being ensured in govt hospitals: Salman

LAHORE:Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said the amount of medicines has been increased in the budget. The supply of medicines is being ensured in government hospitals. Punjab Chief Minister immediately approved an amount of Rs22 billion to pay the dues of hospitals. The revamping project in government hospitals is being completed on priority basis.

The provincial health minister shared these remarks during his visit to Jinnah Hospital on Thursday. He was accompanied by Advisor to Health Punjab Maj-Gen (retd) Dr Azhar Mahmood Kiani and Special Secretary Operations Department Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Tariq Mahmood Rahmani during his visit.

Principal Allama Iqbal Medical College Prof Tayyaba Waseem and MS Jinnah Hospital Dr Syed Mohsin Ali Shah were also present on the occasion. The provincial minister and health advisor visited the medical emergency, surgical emergency, revamping project, angiography suite and other departments and met with the doctors and staff. They also visited the patients and inquired about the medical facilities.

The provincial minister and health advisor also chaired an important meeting at Allama Iqbal Medical College. All HODs, faculty members and officers concerned attended the meeting. Principal Prof Tayyaba Waseem briefed the provincial minister about the medical facilities being provided to patients at Jinnah Hospital. The provincial minister and health advisor expressed anger at the contractors for the delay in the revamping project and directed them to complete it as early as possible.

Khawaja Salman Rafique said that Punjab Health Department is providing better facilities to patients in government hospitals. “Further improvement will be brought in the Neurosurgery Department of Jinnah Hospital and in this regard we have full support of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz”. Dr Azhar Kiani said the Punjab government is taking basic steps to improve the health system. He directed the doctors to be present at all times for the convenience of the patient.

Meanwhile, a meeting was held at Punjab Health Initiative Management Company under the chairmanship of Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique regarding the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department Azmat Mahmood Khan, CEO PHIMC Dr Ali Razaq, representatives of IDAP and Grant Thornton Anjum Rehman. During the meeting, various models were reviewed regarding the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research.

Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said that we want to run Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research under a sustainable model. This cancer hospital is a flagship project of the Punjab government and it will be the largest cancer hospital in Asia. Level 4 patients will also be treated and cured in this cancer hospital. Insha Allah, world-class facilities will be provided to the patients in the hospital.