Revamp of BHUs, RHCs okayed

The Punjab Health Department has approved the upgradation, improvement and expansion of 1,104 Basic Health Units (BHUs) and 220 Rural Health Centres (RHCs) in the Rawalpindi district and North Punjab under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) 2024-25.

The project worth Rs886.4 million aim to enhance healthcare facilities in the region. These funds have been released in the annual health development programme.

The programme includes the renovation of 220 RHCs in various areas including Rawalpindi, Gujjar Khan, Kahuta, Taxila and Kallar Syedan. Additionally, 552 primary health centres in remote village union councils across all seven tehsils of the Rawalpindi district will also be upgraded.

The upgradation of these health centres will involve the construction of basic health units with boundary walls and small laboratories. The medical staff will be upgraded and the availability of medicines will be increased.

The number of lady health workers will also be increased and their working hours will be extended.

Furthermore, the staff at mother and child centres will be increased to provide better care. These BHUs and RHCs will also be renovated.

The renovation of these health centres will also include a filter clinic-style upgrade, aligning them with major nearby hospitals. This will ensure that patients receive quality healthcare services. Addressing the critical need, dog and snake bite vaccines and injections will be provided on a priority basis in these villages.

The tender process for the upgradation of all above-mentioned schemes will commence on August 28, followed by contract awards. The projects are expected to be completed within four months by December 31.