Axe falls on Murree THQ medical superintendent

Patients express dissatisfaction with quality of treatment during CM’s visit

RAWALPINDI:

Patients’ dissatisfaction with the quality of treatment at Murree Tehsil Headquarters Hospital (THQ) prompted action from the district health authorities as the medical superintendent (MS) was dismissed from his service.

Scores of patients had voiced their concerns during a recent visit by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

During her visit to Murree THQ, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz observed several issues that patients were facing, including a lack of essential medicines, a shortage of medical staff, patients having to bring their injections, limited testing capabilities, and even the absence of pillows on patients' beds. Dr Islam Abbasi, the MS of Murree THQ, was unable to provide satisfactory explanations for these deficiencies, prompting the chief minister to express her dissatisfaction and reprimand him for the lapses in patient care.

Following the chief minister's directives, the health authorities swiftly took action, dismissing the MS of Murree THQ from his position. Furthermore, plans were set in motion to address the broader healthcare infrastructure needs of the Murree district. As per the chief minister's orders, 200 kanals of land were urgently identified in Dina for the construction of the first district headquarters hospital.

A feasibility report is currently being prepared and is expected to be presented to the chief minister within a week.

The responsibility for preparing the feasibility report has been entrusted to Dr Ijaz Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rawalpindi District Health Authority (DHA). An official, while commenting on the move said this decision reflects a proactive approach by the government to address the deficiencies highlighted during the chief minister's visit and to ensure improved healthcare services for the residents of Murree.

In addition to addressing immediate concerns, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasised the need for a long-term strategy to enhance healthcare infrastructure in Murree.

This includes plans to allocate funding for the construction of the district headquarters hospital in the upcoming financial year, pending the completion of the feasibility report. The chief minister has directed authorities to ensure that the new hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art medical facilities to meet the healthcare needs of the region effectively.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th, 2024.