No obstruction to be tolerated to improve government hospitals: PM

LAHORE (92 News) – Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has said the government hospitals will be brought at par with standards of private hospitals. Addressing an Iftar dinner and fund raising ceremony at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital in Lahore on Saturday, the prime minister said unless government hospitals are improved people cannot avail better healthcare facilities. The premier said that no system in the world can work without punishment and reward. He reiterated the government’s commitment to improve public health institutions by implementing reward and punishment system and hiring better qualified health professionals. He said no obstruction will be tolerated in this regard. PM Khan said government hospitals would be brought at par with standards of private hospitals. He paid rich tributes to services of Dr Faisal Sultan and his team for leading Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital to an international institution successfully. He said free treatment is provided to 75 to 80 per cent of patients at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital. Imran Khan said this culture will be instilled in government hospitals of Pakistan too. Speaking on the occasion, the premier directed the members of the provincial cabinet for strict monitoring of Ramazan Bazaars. PM Khan asked the Punjab Assembly members and provincial ministers to regularly visit Ramazan Bazaars, which have been set up in their respective areas. The prime minister also directed the cabinet members to ensure provision of essential commodities at fixed rates during the month of Ramazan. He also directed the concerned authorities to take immediate action against profiteers and hoarders. PM Khan said that special attention should be paid to include private sector in the development projects. He directed for implementation of different models of public-private partnership to reduce financial burden on the government. The prime minister said that more employment opportunities should be created for the skilled labour force in the development projects. He said specific projects should be initiated for promotion of agriculture sector and increase in per acre yield. PM Imran khan  said government is providing a subsidy of twelve billion rupees on Metro Bus which could had been allocated for health and education. He said all out facilities should be provided to the investors through one-window operation.