Rs2b set aside for Services Hospital renovation

Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has announced Rs2 billion renovation and upgrades for Services Hospital, Lahore.

Naqvi, on Monday, visited the healthcare facility and given 90 days deadline from completion of upgrades, including change of water supply lines, construction of a new intensive care unit and relocation and revamping of administrative offices.

He urged swift action and instructed that the ground and other floors be vacated promptly to commence the transformation on October 16.

The work will proceed around the clock in three shifts. He issued directives to both the provincial Health secretary and the Communication and Works Department secretary to execute the upgrade plan. He emphasised his personal oversight, reaffirming his commitment to closely monitor the progress.

While inspecting the SIMS Lab, the chief minister scrutinised the facilities for medical tests. He expressed dissatisfaction with the apparent shortcomings, noting that the lab's generated revenue was minimal.

He observed that the washrooms for both patients and staff were locked, an issue that required immediate attention.

During the briefing, it was revealed that the lab had generated a mere Rs56,000 in revenue from tests in a single day.

Chief Minister Naqvi expressed his expectation for improvement, stating that SIMS Lab should generate no less than Rs1 million in daily revenue.

In response to a patient's complaint about tests being conducted externally, Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi ordered an inquiry into the matter after reviewing the records.

Noting disorderly parking arrangements at Services Hospital, Naqvi ordered a revamp of the parking facilities.

Within the emergency block, Chief Minister Naqvi conducted a comprehensive assessment of patient facilities.

He ordered the installation of a new lift for the emergency block and insisted that roof seams should be permanently fixed during the upgrade.

Accompanying Chief Minister Naqvi on this visit were Provincial Minister for Specialized Healthcare Dr Javed Akram, the Secretaries of Health and Communication and Works, the Special Secretary of Health, the Principal of Services Institute of Medical Sciences, the Medical Superintendent of Services Hospital, and relevant officers.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2023.