Visit to Polyclinic: PM gives Eid gifts to sick children

PM Ashraf took note of the lack of air conditioning and saw the children and parents sweating profusely.

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf made a surprise visit of the children’s ward of Polyclinic Hospital on Sunday, where he distributed flowers, sweets and eidi among the young patients. He also exchanged Eid greetings with their attendants and the staff on duty.

The Prime Minister said healthcare was a high priority for his government and all efforts were being made to extend quality care for the people to every corner of the country. Ashraf took note of the lack of air conditioning and saw the children and their parents sweating profusely due to the high humidity.

He directed Executive Director Dr Shaukat Kiyani to replace the faulty ACs immediately and said the Prime Minister House would foot the bill. He also directed the Capital Development Authority to immediately hand over possession of 2.5 acres for the pending expansion of the hospital.

Seven-year-old Amna Maskan, who was admitted with gastroenteritis, said Eid this year was already exciting as she got eidi from the prime minister.

Ashraf also noticed the beautiful mehndi pattern on the hands and arms of two-year old Ayesha, who had pneumonia. Her mother told the PM that Ayesha insisted her mother put on mehndi for Eid.

Dr Shahzad, head of the children’s ward, said the hospital the air conditioners could not be replaced because of a government ban and was hopeful that Prime Minister’s directive for their replacement would provide a better environment for patients.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2012.