Punjab CM okays extension of health card, free medicines
Chief Minister Chaudhry Parvez Elahi on Saturday approved the modernization of emergency services in all public hospitals across the province and announced the free distribution of medicines to patients. He also gave the green light to modernize the Wazirabad Cardiology Institute (WIC), thereby increasing hospital beds.
He was chairing a meeting at the Chief Minister’s Office, which decided to extend the health card program of ex-prime minister Imran Khan in a still better manner, said a handout.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Elahi called for the right of patients to obtain medicines free of cost in emergency situations.
With regard to WIC, he said that the number of beds in the institute would be increased up to 400. He said the shortage of doctors in the institute, particularly anesthesiologists, and paramedics would be overcome immediately and anesthesiologists would have a special allowance to encourage them to join the hospital. He sought the construction of doctors and paramedic residences on the vacant grounds of the institute.
The CM tasked the officials concerned with launching a special program aimed at strengthening the capacity of doctors. He said that the work on this file should be done quickly to provide the province with the best health care facilities. A full review was done during the meeting to make improvements to the health department as well as provide the best treatment facilities to the people.
Former health minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid, former chairman P&D Salman Ghani, former principal secretary to CM GM Sikandar, Principal Secretary to CM Muhammad Khan Bhatti, the chairman P&D, secretary health, the head of Wazirabad Institute of Cardiology, DG Rescue 1122 and other relevant officials took part in the meeting.