103 more health units to work 24 hours

LAHORE

Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif has sanctioned 618 posts to run another 103 basic health units under 24/7 programme for providing maternity and labour room facilities to the women.

By adding these 103 BHUs, the total number of 24/7 BHUs would increase the figure of 800. The approved vacancies are: 206 of lady health visitors (LHVs), 206 “Aya” and 206 security guards. 

It was informed in monthly meeting of health EDOs at Punjab Directorate General Health Services held on Saturday, according to a handout issued here. 

The meeting, chaired by Primary and Secondary Health Secretary Ali Jan Khan, discussed and reviewed the procurement of medicine in DHQ and THQ hospitals, upgrade and renovation work in the hospitals, installation of incinerators, hospital waste management and dengue situation in different districts.EPI Director Dr Muhammad Muneeb presented a report regarding the progress and performance of the EPI Programm, coverage of routine immunisation, achievements of anti-polio campaigns and the situation of diphtheria, measles and other diseases.

Health Director General Dr Mukhtar Hussain Syed directed the EDOs to immediately launch a vigorous awareness campaign in their respective districts about environmental pollution and smog. He directed that leaflets and face mask should also be distributed among the people. He observed that smog and environmental pollution were a serious threat to the health and people should adopt precautionary measures from smog to protect themselves from long-lasting respiratory diseases.

Health Special Secretary Dr Faisal Zahoor apprised the EDOs of the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for daily maintenance, cleanliness and disinfection of dialysis units in DHQ and THQ hospitals. He directed that an officer should be nominated in every district to ensure compliance of these instructions.

Dr Faisal Zahoor said that new equipment would also be provided to the 103 BHUs for running these health centres round the clock. He said that Rs 56.11 million had been provided for equipment, Rs 51.5 million for renovation of the buildings and Rs.3.71 million for provision of medicine.

In the meeting, Chief Minister Health Road Map Team and the officers of PITB presented performance reports of the DHQ and THQ hospitals and other health centres, availability of medicines and presence of doctors and other staff there.