RAWALPINDI: Punjab Caretaker Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare and Population Welfare Dr Jamal Nasir said accommodation would be provided to doctors and paramedics at Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Murree and Basic Health Unit, Phagwari, the largest union council of Murree.

He stated this while talking to the local elders during his visit to THQ Murree and BHU Phagwari. Director Health Rawalpindi Dr Ansar Ishaq and CEO Health Rawalpindi Dr. Ijaz were also accompanied him.

Dr Jamal Nasir directed the Rawalpindi Health Department to immediately submit proposals for doctors and paramedical staff’s accommodation and he will ensure to get immediate approval from the higher authorities.

He said that suitable areas of land are available with THQ Murree and BHU Phagwari and immediate action is being taken for approval of these schemes.

Dr Jamal Nasir said after graduating from Rawalpindi Medical College, he used to travel daily from Rawalpindi to Murree by public transport for work, so he is well aware of the travel difficulties that doctors endure to perform their duties. He said that it was more difficult for female doctors and nurses to travel.

The caretaker minister said that the government hospitals and especially the basic health units and rural health centers located in remote areas cannot be fully functional without government residences for doctors and paramedics.

He said that the government needs to make a comprehensive plan in this regard.

Director Health Rawalpindi Dr. Ansar Ishaq briefed the provincial minister about various proposals regarding residences in THQ Murree and BHU Phagwari.

On the other hand, the provincial government did not start any work to upgrade medical facilities in the THQ hospital Murree. Punjab caretaker government has approved special budget for Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Murre to restore its original capacity of 82 beds and posted 14 more nurses for providing quality medical facilities.

Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi on June 17expressed his severe indignation over closure of few departments in Murree Tehsil Headquarters hospital and ordered to open closed departments immediately.

He visited Tehsil Headquarter Hospital Murree and reviewed treatment facilities being provided to the patients in the hospital and made a detailed inspection of emergency, OPD, mother and child ward, pharmacy and other departments.

The caretaker chief minister directed to overcome shortage of nurses at the earliest. He asserted that the health department should initiate the induction process of nurses on the vacant posts in the hospital immediately.

Mohsin Naqvi stated that only six nurses are discharging their duties against 29 approved posts of nurses adding that no hospital can function 24 hours with six nurses.

Punjab Chief Minister stated that direction has been issued to the Punjab Caretaker Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Doctor Jamal Nasir to improve healthcare facilities adding that Mr Jamal will remain present in Murree till improvement of hospital affairs.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2023