The Punjab government is all set to introduce far-reaching reforms in education, health and other social sectors which will provide much-needed relief to the masses. Sources in the provincial government told Business Recorder that these reforms are being introduced on the special directions of Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif and in the light of recommendations of task forces set up by him.
The head of task force on health was asked to concentrate on providing quality medical facilities to the people at the government hospitals, the sources said, adding that the task force had recommended to give full financial autonomy to the government hospitals so that they could provide free medical cover to the people without any discrimination.
It may be mentioned that the Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif had already directed the provincial health authorities to immediately restart the facility of free dialysis in the government hospitals.
Punjab Minister for Population Welfare Mrs Neelam Jabbar Chaudhry said that reform initiatives being introduced by the provincial government in education, health and other social sectors would help raise their living standard. She said that leadership of Punjab is well aware of present day requirements and it was the reason that top priority is being accorded to attract investment in the province.
To achieve the goal, the concept of public-private partnership is being promoted in the province through good governance and economic cooperation programme. In order to achieve required results of the proposed reformatory agenda, a comprehensive and effective monitoring and evaluation system is being implemented at district and provincial levels, she said.
She disclosed that Rs 58.64 billion would be spent on social sector development programme whereas Rs 30 billion have been earmarked for educational development projects and Rs 26.10 billion would be spent for the provision of healthcare facilities to the masses in the current fiscal year.
Further, in order to provide standardised medicines at reasonable prices to the public, efforts would be made at federal level for introducing effective drug pricing policy. She said that the government is taking immediate steps to overhaul the education sector. Due to steps being taken by the government, dropout rate of students would be decreased with enrolment of new students while missing facilities in the schools especially in rural areas would be provided.
Further, she said that 80-percent children are being benefited through preventive healthcare programme and we would achieve the cent percent target within few years. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Hamza Shahbaz MNA said that his party under the sagacious leadership of Mian Nawaz Sharif would fulfil all the promises made with the public including reinstatement of deposed judges.
Hamza said that it is responsibility of the state to provide quality health facilities and modern education to the people. He said any hurdle or negligence in the resolution of public issues would never be tolerated. He said the provincial government is working devotedly to come up to the expectations of people.