Ad hoc recruitments to be reviewed

Caretaker Punjab Health Minister Dr Jamal Nasir said on Wednesday that a thorough inquiry will be conducted regarding ad hoc recruitment carried out by the previous government.

He said during a visit to the Punjab Health Facilities Management Company (PHFMC) and Punjab Aids Control Programme (PACP) that those found involved in violating the laws would be brought to justice.

The minster said a comprehensive mechanism was being adopted for the welfare of the company’s employees.

He said only regular and contract doctors would be allowed to conduct medico-legal service in the health facilities.

Training for doctors in this regard will be arranged through the Punjab Forensic Science Agency.

The minister was informed that around 13,130 health facilities were working under the PHFMC in 14 districts and the doctors’ training was being planned.

Dr Nasir said the service of the PACP had resulted in reducing deaths in HIV cases in Punjab. He maintained that 100 vacancies in the programme would soon be filled after completing all codal formalities.

He said all DHQ hospitals had standard HIV centres to provide healthcare and counseling service to patients.

The caretaker minister also paid surprise visits to the Bhera Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, a tuberculosis hospital and the Sargodha District HQ Hospital.

He regretted poor cleanliness arrangements in the hospitals and directed the medical superintendents to improve the arrangements at all cost.

He also directed the officials to install biomedical equipment in the hospitals and make them functional.

He said teams were being constituted to inspect all the health facilities.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 9^th, 2023.