Maryam fast tracks Holy Family revamp

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday announced the completion of the revamp of Holy Family Hospital (HFH) Rawalpindi by June 30 and free treatment for a three-year-old child patient suffering from a cardiovascular ailment.

The provincial chief executive paid a surprise visit to the hospital and arrived there without informing the local MNAs and MPAs. Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and the Chief Secretary accompanied the CM.

CM Maryam visited various departments of the hospital including the PEADs emergency, Mother & Child block, new block and other wards. She was briefed by the Communication and Works department officials about the so far rehabilitation of the hospital. She directed the officials to complete the ongoing work by May 30 and make the hospital functional.

The mother of child Hasnain, who was admitted to the PEADS emergency, told the chief minister that her child was a heart patient and was suffering from dysentery and vomiting. She directed the hospital officials to undertake immediate steps for the free treatment of Hasnain, who had a hole in his heart by birth.

CM Maryam also inquired about the treatment of other patients and the provision of medicines. She communicated with the patients and inquired about them. Few patients apprised the CM about the problems being confronted by them in the hospital.

She also inquired about undertreatment patients in the emergency, stopped near a female child and exchanged pleasantries with her. The infant child said ‘hi-fi’ to CM Maryam.

During her visit to the hospital’s new block, the Chief Minister also took notice of the low wages of the workers and directed the authorities to set their wages and pay their dues according to the Wages Act.

After spotting a family sitting beneath a tree and using a hand fan to beat the heat, she instructed the hospital officials to arrange sheds and fans for the families.

After the departure of the CM, who had reached the Holy Family Hospital directly from Noor Khan Airbase, the C&W Department officials immediately issued instructions to speed up the work. Officers also held a special emergency meeting in this regard.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 23^rd, 2024.