NWFP Health Minister Inayatullah has announced that Category-C status would be given to Satellite Hospital, Pabbi, Nowshera district in the next financial year while taking note to the public complaints about certain staff members of the Hospital. The minister also ordered immediate probe into the matter. He was addressing a public gathering during his visit to Satellite Hospital, Pabbi, on Thursday. District Nowshera Jamat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Dr Anwarul Islam, Nowshera EDO (Health) Dr Fawad Khan, and elected representative of the local government were present on the occasion.
The minister besides inspecting various sections of the Hospital, also inquired from patients and their attendants about prevailing facilities in the hospital.
On the occasion, the elected representatives from various Union Councils of the district informed the minister about health problems in their respective localities. Most of the complains were related to shortage of staff, non-availability of essential medicines and dilapidated conditions of BHUs.
Inayatullah said the present government is focusing on the up-gradation of DHQ Hospitals of the province to provide better health services at the local level.
He elaborated that steps were being taken for the rehabilitation of the existing health facilities to make it more efficient.
Referring to efforts being made for improvement in health facilities in the district, the minister said the construction of a modern DHQ Hospital at Nowshera at a cost of Rs 1 billion was already planned. He also said the up-gradation of BHUs Akbarpoora to RHC has also been sanctioned. While Rs 3 million had been provided to Pubbi Hospital for the purchase of emergency drugs.
Inayatullah directed the Nowshera EDO Health to prepare a detailed plan for the repair of all BHUs of the area which were in poor condition, so that the amount could be allocated for it in the next ADP.
Taking note to the complaints about the local drug inspector, the minister ordered proper probe against him.
The minister also directed EDO Health to launch a vigorous campaign against quacks and non-registered clinics in the district. Referring to the spread of Hepatitis-B and C in Akbarpoora, the minister declared that public health teams would be sent to the area for proper investigation.
Inayatullah asked the health workers to discharge their duties efficiently and behave with patients politely. He warned that no negligence would be tolerated at all.
Earlier, the EDO health said that efforts for purchase of equipment and other necessary items to Pubbi Hospitals at a cost of Rs 3 millions were in progress.
Hospital Superintendent Dr Zahir Shah besides highlighting performance of the Hospital also pin-pointed problems being faced by the Institution.
The minister also inspected health facilities at Manki, Khawashgi, and Nizam Pur.