Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has ordered immediate suspension of Medical Superintendent Bahawal Victoria Hospital and transfer of Principal Quaid-e-Azam Medical College as OSD. He has taken this decision in the light of inquiry report regarding the death of a doctor and a nurse due to Congo virus in Bahawalpur. He issued instructions for evolving and implementing a comprehensive action plan for prevention against Congo virus with regard to Eid-ul-Azha. He also directed that a comprehensive training programme should be started for doctors, nurses and paramedical staff regarding Congo virus and departments concerned should discharge their responsibilities as well as maintain mutual coordination.
He was addressing a video conference to review steps for protection against Congo virus and preventive measures on Eid-ul-Azha. During the video conference which lasted more than three hours, the situation regarding Congo virus and the strategy for coping with it was considered in detail. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that he was deeply grieved over the death of two persons due to Congo virus in Bahawalpur and equally shared the grief of the bereaved families. He said it is lamentable that in spite of clear instructions of Health Department, the SOP evolved for prevention from Congo virus was not implemented and the protective measures in the treatment of the deceased nurse and doctor were not followed properly. He said that every life is dear to him and he cannot allow death of people due to negligence. He said that inquiry report has revealed flaws in the treatment of the persons affected by Congo virus, therefore, it has been decided to suspend Medical Superintendent and transfer Principal Quaid-e-Azam Medical College as OSD. He said that stern action will also be taken against other persons guilty of negligence and dereliction of duties. Shehbaz Sharif said that an effective monitoring system is essential for improvement of healthcare system. He said that healthcare system will have to be activated and those associated with it will have to work efficiently. He said that Eid-ul-Azha is close, therefore, all out protective measures should be taken for prevention from Congo virus. He said that a training programme for doctors, nurses and paramedical staff should also be arranged. The Chief Minister said that an effective strategy should be evolved for protection against Congo virus and its implementation should be ensured at any cost. He said that spray in cattle markets should be conducted on priority basis. He said that departments concerned should utilize all out resources for prevention from Congo virus and the officers of these departments should perform their duties honesty and efficiently. Chairman Chief Minister’s Inspection Team presented inquiry report regarding the death of persons due to Congo virus in Bahawalpur. Advisor on Health Khawaja Salman Rafiq, Parliamentary Secretary Kh. Imran Nazir, Chief Secretary, secretaries concerned, medical experts and senior officers attended the meeting through video link from Civil Secretariat while Divisional Commissioners and DCOs of the districts concerned participated through video link.
