‘Loans for doctors to set up clinic’

LAHORE” Punjab Minister for Specialised Healthcare & Medical Education Khwaja Salman Rafique Tuesday chaired a meeting of Board of Directors (BOD) of Punjab Health Foundation (PHF).

According to a handout, Secretary Najam Ahmad Shah, PHF MD Ajmal Bhatti, Professor Dr Eice Muhammad, PHF DMD Dr Amjad Saqib and other officers concerned attended the meeting. Salman revealed the provision of interest free loans to the doctors for setting up their clinics. Purchasing of medical equipment to facilitate people at the grass root level was the target behind enhancing the healthcare facilities, he said.

Minister appreciated Ajmal for the induction of qualified and skilled professionals in Punjab Health Foundation and hoped the new staff would perform their responsibilities with dedication. They will sensitise the doctors about interest free loan schemes, implementation on the prescribed rules & regulations and uphold the merit.

The meeting approved different administrative and policy matters. The meeting was informed besides MBBS doctors, homeopaths, physiotherapist and ophthalmology technologist have also been included in the smart loan schemes.

Najam Ahmad Shah said while finalising the loan cases the PHF management should ensure the applicant was registered with the Punjab Healthcare Commission, Pakistan Medical and Dental Counsel, Pakistan National Homeopathic Counsel and other concerned organization.

Earlier, the finance and technical committee of PHF met during which 60 cases of loan applications were presented for approval. health centre: Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Health Khwaja Imran Nazir Tuesday said the provision of maximum health facilities to the masses was the prime agenda of the Punjab government.

Khwaja Imran said Rural Health Centre (RHC) Dinah, District Jehlum should be upgraded to the level of model hospital. Secretary Ali Jan Khan, Additional Secretary Technical Dr Asim Altaf, Health Specialist Dr Naeem-ud-Din Mian, Additional Secretary Development Fatimah, Member Punjab Assembly from Dinah Mehar Fiaz, Deputy Commissioner Jehlum, CEO Health Jehlum and other officers concerned attended the meeting.

The meeting was informed as compared to the thick population of Dinah the health facilities were less than the demand of the area. Mehar Fiaz pointed out 24 kanal of land for establishing THQ hospital. The meeting observed the 24 kanal land was not sufficient for a THQ hospital. However, for a temporary solution Khwaja Imran approved the up gradation of RHC to a model hospital.

He directed to prepare a summary immediately for the formal approval by Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Dinah RHC would be converted from 20 beds to 40 beds model hospital with updated basic facilities including emergency services, labour room and operation theatre.