Best medical facilities to people priority: minister

LAHORE:Health Minister Khwaja Salman Rafique Monday paid a surprise visit to field hospital established in Union Council-143 Fatehgarh.

The health minister inquired about the medical facilities provided to people in the hospital. He also inquired from the attendants about treatment, availability of medicines and other facilities.

Khwaja Salman Rafique said that the field hospital project was the flagship programme of the Punjab government. Thousands of people had been provided with best medical facilities at their doorstep across the province, he added. He said best medical facilities to people was the first priority, adding that facilities of lady doctor, free examination and medicine were also being provided in field hospitals. Hafiz Mohammad Aleem, Chaudhry Sarwar, Mehar Mudassar, Mian Rashid and Malik Saif-ur-Rahman were present.

Meanwhile, Health Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee for Peace & Order Khawaja Salman Rafique visited the central control room of the Interior Department. Additional Secretary Internal Security Usman Khalid gave a briefing to the minister regarding the central control room. The minister reviewed the monitoring in the control room regarding the Muharram security.

Salman Rafique said that the Majalis and processions were being monitored round-the-clock through the control room. He said: 'We request the scholars to teach unity among Muslims.' The minister said special security arrangements had been made for the Majalis and processions of the 9th and 10th of Muharram. Thousands of police personnel would perform their duties on all the procession routes, he added.

All administrations had been directed to maintain coordination, he added and said, 'We hope Muharram would be observed peacefully.' Meanwhile, Minister for Communication and Works/Law Malik Sohaib Ahmad on Monday visited Mianwali to review Muharram arrangements of the district administration.

During his visit, the minister inspected the routes of main Ashura processions originating from Mianwali city. He also reviewed the control room established at the DC office for the monitoring of Ashura procession. The minister chaired a meeting at the DC office to discuss peace and security matters. He had a comprehensive briefing on administrative and security arrangements of processions and gatherings from Deputy Commissioner Khalid Javaid Goraya. The minister directed the municipal committee officers to enhance cleanliness systems on procession routes and instructed all relevant departments and officers to remain vigilant. Emphasising the importance of following the chief minister’s instructions, the minister stressed the need to provide cold water and refreshments for masses participating in the processions. He assured that all possible facilities are being arranged for the participants in the Ashura processions and gatherings. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Khalid Javaid Goraya, DPO Matiullah Khan, district administration officials, and procession organisers.