Public health: Drug quality bodies need reform: CM

Sharif seeks preparation of a health management information system for the province

LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Monday that urgent reforms were needed to improve operations of the Provincial Quality Control Board and the Chief Drug Controller. He said autonomous system should be evolved for making the two institutes vibrant and active. He directed officials concerned to prepare a plan for comprehensive reforms in the two institutes and submit it to his office in two weeks.

He was addressing a meeting through video link from London.

Earlier, Sharif reviewed in detail different steps undertaken by the government for provision of quality health facilities to the people. He said provision of best available treatment facilities to the people of the province was a priority for the government. He said all departments concerned needed to play an active role for the purpose. He said availability of quality healthcare facilities was a basic right. He said the healthcare system needed to develop in accordance with modern day requirements.



Sharif said effective monitoring was vital for provision of quality health facilities. He directed the officials concerned to immediately devise a health management information system for the province.

He said immediate steps were needed to improve cleanliness at public hospitals. He said it should be ensured that record of medical equipment and machinery at hospitals was being maintained. He said an audit in this regard should be completed at the earliest.

Sharif directed officials concerned to take indiscriminate legal action against elements involved in sale and preparation of substandard and spurious drugs. He said a comprehensive plan should be prepared for proper disposal of hospitals waste. He also sought a report on reorganisation of the Institute of Public Health.



Earlier, the specialised health and medical education and the primary and secondary health secretaries gave detailed briefings on provision of quality health facilities in the province.

Separately, the chief minister addressed a meeting to review arrangements for Ramazan Bazaars in the province. He directed officials concerned to ensure availability of essential items at notified prices.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 7^th, 2016.