Medicines supply to hospitals improves, claims minister

By Our Correspondent
|
April 10, 2025
Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique (centre right) and CM’s Adviser Dr Azhar Mahmood Kayani (centre left) chair a meeting on health sector in Punjab on April 9, 2025. — Screengrab via FacebookSalmanRafiquePK

LAHORE:A meeting on health sector in Punjab was held in the Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Dept under the chairmanship of Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique and CM’s Adviser Dr Azhar Mahmood Kayani. Secretary Health Punjab Azmat Mahmood also attended the meeting.

During the meeting, all the vice chancellors and others presented their views and suggestions. Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said that according to the CM’s vision, basic steps are being taken to improve the health system with the existing resources. The provision of medicines and other services in government hospitals is gradually improving. All the vice chancellors, principals and MSs are leaders in the medical field. Despite the rush of patients in government hospitals, no patient has been refused till date and will not be. There is a scope for improvement in the health system.

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CM’s Adviser Dr Azhar Mahmood Kayani said that emergency and OPD are the face of any hospital. MSs must follow up on the treatment of patients daily for the last 24 hours. The situation has improved with the CM’s visits. Dr Azhar Mahmood Kayani said that there should be no disruption in the provision of medicines in government hospitals. According to all the indicators of the Punjab Healthcare Commission, there is a need to improve the arrangements in government hospitals. There is a need to run a strong referral system in Punjab. KEMU Vice Chancellor Prof Mahmood Ayaz, University of Health Sciences VC Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore, Pro Vice Chancellor UHS Prof Junaid Rashid, and others also attended.

JICA delegation meets Salman

Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique and CM's Adviser Dr Azhar Mahmood Kayani met with a delegation of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at the Dept of Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education. The JICA agency delegation delivered a presentation on the project for the treatment and care of children in South Punjab. Salman Rafique welcomed the JICA delegation and said that the Punjab govt expressed gratitude for the huge project of Rs6 billion for the treatment of children in South Punjab.

The provincial cabinet led by CM already approved this project. A four-storey children's hospital will be built in South Punjab. This project will be completed on time. The officers concerned have been directed to remain in full coordination with JICA in this regard.

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