LAHORE November 10:Punjab Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid ordered the continuation of routine health services in all Public Sector Hospitals despite surge in COVID-19 cases in Punjab here on Tuesday.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Darbar Hall of the Civil Secretariat the Minister said the world is witnessing the second wave of Corona Pandemic and arrangements are in place in all government hospitals.The meeting was attended by Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department Barrister Nabeel Awan, Additional Secretary Development Dr. Asif Tufail, Vice Chancellor King Edward Medical University Professor Dr. Khalid Masood Gondal, Vice-Chancellor Fatima Jinnah Medical University Professor Amir Zaman Khan, CEO Mayo Hospital Professor Asad Aslam Khan, Dean Child Hospital Professor Masood Sadiq, MD Children Hospital Professor Dr. Mohammad Salim, MS Jinnah Hospital Dr. Yahya Sultan, MD Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences Dr. Farrukh Sultan, Chairman Board of Director PKLI Dr. Javed Gardezi, Professor Javed Chaudhry, Principal (Caretaker) SIMS Professor Amjad, Chief Cardiologist Punjab Institute of Cardiology Professor Dr. Saqib Shafi, MS Mayo Hospital Dr. Tahir Khalil, MS Services Hospital Dr. Mohammad Iftikhar, MS Punjab Dental Hospital Dr. Asim Farooq, MS Punjab Institute of Neuro Sciences Dr. Abdur Razzaq, Principal Amiruddin Medical College Professor Dr. Sardar Alfarid whereas CEOs and MS of all districts hospitals joined via video link.
The Minister reviewed the current situation in Punjab and the arrangements to treat new cases at Punjab hospitals. Secretary SHME apprised the Minister of recent measures to combat the second wave. Additional Secretary Development Dr. Asif Tufail shared the latest data on Corona Pandemic.
The Health Minister said, “The second wave of Corona Pandemic has hit the world. Arrangements are in place at all hospitals of Punjab. Secretary Health South Punjab Ajmal Bhatti is personally supervising the treatment of patients in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan and neighbouring districts. A new helpline will be set up for information of COVID-19 under treatment patients. The outdoor services are not being closed down. According to the recommendations of the Corona Expert Advisory Group, the SOPS are being enforced in letter and spirit. A thorough review of the facilities at Children Hospital has been undertaken.
The Administrators of all public sectors hospitals will be submitting the status of available facilities for COVID-19 treatment within the next two days. The Govt has reserved hefty amount to combat the Corona Pandemic. All stakeholders worked together to face the Pandemic bravely. We need similar commitment from doctors, nurses and paramedical staff to defeat the second eave of the Pandemic. Inshalla, we will overcome the second wave as well.”
