The provision of free medicines will be started from September 5 across the province, says minister. PHOTO: PPI/FILE
Talks with the Taliban are the responsibility of the federal government as efforts made at the provincial level have failed in the past, said Health Minister Shaukat Yousafzai.
The health minister commented on national security as he addressed journalists during a surprise visit to the District Headquarters Hospital Nowshera on Monday. Peace in the province cannot be restored until the federal government devises a clear stance on drone attacks in the tribal areas, added Yousafzai.
In February this year, the Awami National Party sponsored an all-parties conference (APC) attended by 24 political and religious parties which recommended talks with the Taliban as “the first priority” in restoring peace in the country. The banned organisation discounted the APC, terming it an electoral ploy on part of the provincial players.
The visit on Monday was prompted after the minister received complaints against the administration of the hospital and suspended medical officer Saeed Badshah. He was accompanied by Adviser to Chief Minister Mian Jamsheeduddin Kakakhel and visited wards of the health facility.
The minister approved a digital X-ray machine, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machine, and Rs30 million worth of medicines. He directed a report be prepared on the difficulties faced by the public and expressed dissatisfaction over the poor state of the hospital.
The PTI government has started taking stern action against corrupt officials, warned Yousafzai.
“The previous provincial governments did not pay any attention to the condition of state hospitals,” claimed the health minister. To overcome the shortage of hospital staff, 500 doctors, 550 medical technicians and 500 nurses have been recruited in the province. Yousafzai added the provision of free medicines will be started from September 5 across the province.
On Sunday, Yousafzai suspended the Saidu Sharif Hospital medical superintendent (MS) during another surprise visit. The suspension of the MS was ordered after complaints about patients being charged for the NS1 test which is meant to be free of charge.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2013.
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