Despite explicit instructions of Chief Minister Punjab Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif and release of necessary funds by the provincial government, the health department has failed to accomplish the task of installation of air conditioners and generators in different district and tehsil headquarters' hospitals of the province.
In the wake of long hours' load shedding in present intense hot weather conditions, patients admitted in different DHQ/THQ hospitals, were facing severe hardships in the absence of electricity.
It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had asked the health authorities to ensure installation of air conditioners and generators in different district and tehsil headquarters' hospitals of the province. He has also ensured release of funds but the task has not so far been completed.
Sources in the health department told Business Recorder here on Monday that Special Secretary Health, Punjab, held a review meeting of all the EDOs health on Monday in which he expressed displeasure over delay in installation of air conditioners and generators in different district and tehsil headquarters' hospitals of the province.
He directed the officers concerned to complete this project of public welfare without any further delay. He also made it clear that no excuse would be acceptable for the delay.
The meeting reviewed in detail the installation of air conditioners and generators in DHQ/THQ hospitals. Each EDO (H) presented report of his district regarding the installation of ACs and Generators. The meeting also evaluated the provision of free dialyses facility at district and tehsil headquarters hospitals and expressed satisfaction over the provision of the facility. It also reviewed the progress of Mother, New Born Child Health programme (MNCH), free delivery facilities at RHCs, availability of skilled Birth Attendants, immunisation of new born babies, arrangements for the control and treatment of TB, Meningitis, Gastro-enteritis, Malaria and Dengue fever.
Director General, Health reiterated that the cutting of disposable syringes should be ensured to control the hepatitis and other communicable diseases. He also directed the EDOs to pay special attention for the treatment of Gastro- enteritis patients, especially minor children who are the main victims of this seasonal disease.
Moreover, Chief Minister Punjab Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif has ordered that all hospitals should display the list of medicines, which are being provided free of cost to the patients, at a conspicuous place for the information of general public, visiting the hospitals. In pursuance of directions of Chief Minister, Punjab health department has issued necessary directions to all the EDOs Health for strict compliance, sources added.
Director General, Health said that health department would provide contract rate list of the medicines and charter of patient's rights, which should be displayed in every hospital for the knowledge of public.
Furthermore, Secretary Health Punjab, while talking to a delegation of doctors in open court on Monday, has said that as per policy, the Graduates of King Edward Medical University (KEMU) would be preferred for house job in Mayo Hospital. The delegation members apprised the Secretary Health Punjab of their problems. He observed that such doctors, who did their MBBS from KEMU last year but due to some reasons they did not have house job, would be accommodated. He also issued orders on the applications submitted to him during the open court.