Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmeen Rashid said on Thursday on the floor of House that she never said that Punjab has become free from polio.

While responding to a question of PML (N) Khawja Salman Rafique during a session of the Punjab Assembly, she said the germs of virus were found in the drains. She said if cases were not reported it does not mean that there was no polio.

Refuting the claim of Dr Yasmeen Rashid, former health minister Khawja Salman Rafique claimed that Punjab was declared polio-free by the World Health Organisation.

During the debate on polio, hot words were exchanged between PML (N) MPA Khawja Imran Nazir and Punjab Law Minister Raja Basharat. Imran Nazeer used harsh language upon which panel of chairman Mian Muhmmad Shafee imposed a ban on Imran Nazeer on attending the ongoing session. The opposition boycotted the session after the ban was announced. While responding to the question of PML (N) MPA Malik Ahmed Khan, Dr Yasmeen Rashid said the government is committed to completing all the ongoing health schemes in the province. She also said that all the health centers are working 24/7 and medicines are available there.

While responding to another question of PPP MPA Makhdoom Usman Mahmood regarding establishing of dialysis unit in Raheem Yar Khan, Dr Yasmeen Rashid assured on the floor of House that very soon Punjab government will establish dialysis center for the people of the neglected district. Raja Basharat while responding to the point of order of PML (N) MPA Khalil Tahir Sindhu said that that according to the Supreme Court orders it will be ensured that religion will not be mentioned in advertisement of jobs. Sindhu had pointed out that health department in their advertisement of sweepers mentioned that the Christian can apply for the post.

The treasury benches failed to complete the quorum upon which the panel of chair adjourned the session till 9am on Friday.