Efforts to revitalise PHF lauded

LAHORE

Punjab Specialised Healthcare & Medical Education Secretary Najam Ahmed Shah has appreciated the efforts of Punjab Health Foundation (PHF) MD Dr Sohail Saqlain and support of Dr Amjad Saqib, chairman of Akhuwat Foundation, for mobilising the stakeholders to revitalise the PHF in pursuance of its objectives through innovative strategies.

According to a handout issued here on Wednesday, the secretary expressed his satisfaction over expeditious loan disbursement of Rs 26.40m among 17 doctors and recovery of Rs 2.29m in two weeks. 

He said this while chairing a meeting of financial and technical committee of PHF on Wednesday.

Dr Amjad Saqib, Dr Sohail Saqlain, King Edward Medical University Institute of Ophthalmology Principal Prof. Asad Aslam and other members of the committee were also present.

It was decided that the collaboration with all stakeholders like physicians associations, PM&DC, Punjab Healthcare Commission, Punjab Information Technology Board,  KEMU/Mayo Hospital Ophthalmology Department, Bank of Punjab and DFID/TRF Plus will be enhanced and meaningful interventions will be undertaken to facilitate loan disbursement and establishment of health care centres. A smart loan scheme of up to Rs 0.5 million on personal  guarantee with the recommendations of family physicians will be started by the PHF  to establish PHF health clinics in the province.

DFID/TRF Plus will undertake revision of the existing systems to restructure PHF. PITB will carry out automation and facilitate loan disbursement through a simple and transparent online-computerised system integrated with Punjab Healthcare Commission, family physicians and other relevant stakeholders.

Prof Asad Aslam Khan will facilitate establishment of vision clinics at divisional headquarters with the funding of PHF. Capacity-building of health care providers would also be carried out. Ten loan schemes for other cadres of health sectors will be considered. Najam Ahmed Shah also distributed interest-free loan cheques among the 17 doctors.