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LAHORE, Jan 09 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered for preparation of a revised medicine list for government hospitals and called for a foolproof mechanism to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential drugs across the province.
Presiding over a meeting on health projects on Friday, she ordered for formation of a dedicated committee to finalise the updated medicines list. Expressing serious concern over reports of medicine shortages despite hefty allocations, she noted that Rs80 billion is being spent on medicines and termed any failure in timely delivery to patients as “unacceptable.”
The meeting also reviewed proposals aimed at modernising public hospitals, including the possible use of Chinese-manufactured medical equipment to upgrade healthcare facilities throughout Punjab.
Taking strict notice of public complaints regarding the conduct of hospital security staff, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved, in principle, the installation of body cameras for security guards, ward boys, nurses and pharmacy staff. She further directed hospital administrations to ensure daily steam cleaning of facilities by 9:00 a.m. to maintain hygiene standards.
The chief minister also ordered a ban on the use of mobile phones by doctors and nurses during duty hours, stressing that patient care must remain the top priority at all times.
To strengthen hospital governance, the meeting approved the creation of a Medical Superintendent (MS) pool, with salary increments to be linked directly to performance. Community health inspectors were assigned the task of conducting regular hospital surveys to monitor service delivery and identify shortcomings.
Additionally, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the establishment of a data analysis centre to assess the impact and effectiveness of public welfare initiatives in the health sector.
During the briefing, it was informed that more than 2,500 doctors have been recruited over the past two years. The meeting was also told that 585,000 patients across Punjab have been registered for home delivery of cardiac medicines, while doorstep delivery has been completed for 6,000 patients suffering from hepatitis and tuberculosis.
The chief minister reiterated that the government would no longer tolerate wastage of public funds or citizens’ time, warning that inefficiency and negligence in public hospitals will not be accepted under any circumstances.