Officials in Punjab directed to improve conditions at emergency wards

Health minister says revamping of DHQ and THQ hospitals across province must be expedited

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Health Dr Yasmin Rashid has directed all medical superintendents of Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) and District Headquarters (DHQ) hospitals to improve conditions at emergency wards of their hospitals within 15 days.

She was addressing a meeting held at the Primary and Secondary Health Department on Saturday. Secretary Primary and Secondary Health Department Ali Bahadur Qazi also briefed her about revamping programme.



"Revamping of DHQ and THQ Hospitals across the province must be expedited," the minister said. She added that Punjab Information Technology Board should ensure all helplines are properly working and call center staff should well conversant so that people are guided in a professional manner. "There won't be any compromise on recruitments and promotions in the health department," she said.

Expressing satisfaction over the availability of free medicines at public health facilities, she said officials should ensure availability of free medicines. Dr Rashid also directed officials to implement the family planning programme. "Robocall Service is a good initiative to provide health prevention advice," she advised staff to provide this service in both Punjabi and Seraiki languages. She expressed her displeasure over manhandling incidents at some public hospitals and warned that either hospital staff mend their behaviour or look for another job.



"The government shall not leave any stone unturned to enhance the trust of the general public on government health facilities," she said.

During the meeting, an inquiry report regarding number of measles cases reported in Jhang was also submitted to the minister Health by Deputy Secretary (Tech) Dr Yadullah.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2018.