Punjab Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare and Population Welfare Dr Jamal Nasir has announced the caretaker government's initiative to restore and activate urban dispensaries in five major cities of the province, including Lahore.
These dispensaries will provide first aid as well as treatment for common diseases.
Emphasising the qualitative enhancement of the healthcare system in Punjab, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi inspected healthcare facilities across different cities, as highlighted by the minister.
Dr Jamal Nasir noted that many districts and tehsil headquarters hospitals in the province were underutilised. Consequently, medical superintendents have been instructed to submit daily reports on bed occupancy in these hospitals. The government has invested billions of rupees in equipping Punjab's hospitals with state-of-the-art infrastructure, advanced medical equipment, and highly qualified doctors.
To ensure the optimal utilization of medical facilities available in district and tehsil headquarters hospitals, the respective medical superintendents have been directed to prioritize the treatment of patients at the local level.
Addressing the need for improved accessibility to healthcare services, Dr Jamal Nasir highlighted the importance of constructing residential facilities near rural health centers and basic health units situated in remote areas.
“This will facilitate the availability of doctors at these health centers. Planning is already underway for constructing residences for doctors and paramedical staff working in district and tehsil headquarters hospitals,” he remarked.
Dr Jamal Nasir clarified that the treatment facility provided by the health card would not be discontinued.
However, steps have been taken to rectify any loopholes in the system to ensure that free treatment is available to the poor and deserving patients. Individuals seeking treatment from private hospitals will now be required to contribute 30% of the treatment cost, he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2023.
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