Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has sanctioned 618 posts to run another 103 basic health units under 24/7 program for providing maternity and labour room facilities to the women. By adding these 103 BHUs, the total number of 24/7 BHUs would increase the figures of 800. The approved vacancies included 206 lady health visitors (LHVs), 206 “Aya” and 206 security guards.
It was informed in monthly meeting of EDOs Health at Directorate General Health Services Punjab, here today. Secretary Primary and Secondary Health Ali Jan Khan presided over the meeting. Besides, Special Secretary Primary and Secondary Health Dr. Faisal Zahoor, Director General Health Punjab Dr. Mukhtar Hussain Syed, senior officers of the department, members Chief Minister Health Road Map Team, PITB, representatives of International Development Partners, EDOs Health of all the districts, Health Managers and Program Directors attended the meeting. The meeting discussed and reviewed the procurement of medicine in DHQ and THQ Hospitals, upgradation and renovation work in the hospitals, installation of incinerators, hospital waste management and dengue situation in different districts. Director EPI Dr. Muhammad Muneeb presented report regarding the progress and performance of the EPI Program, coverage of routine immunization, achievements of anti-polio campaigns and the situation of diphtheria, measles and other diseases. Director General Health Dr. Mukhtar Hussain Syed directed the EDOs to immediately launch a vigorous awareness campaign in their respective districts against environmental pollution and smog. He directed that leaf lefts and face mask should also be distributed among the people. He observed that smog and environmental pollution is a serious threat to the health and people should adopt precautionary measures from smog to protect themselves from long lasting respiratory diseases. Special Secretary Dr. Faisal Zahoor apprised the EDOs regarding the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for daily maintenance, cleanliness and disinfection of dialysis units in DHQ and THQ Hospitals. He directed that an officer should be nominated in every district to ensure compliance of these instructions. Dr. Faisal Zahoor for the informed that new equipment would also be provided to the 103 BHUs for running these health centers 24 hours seven days of a week. He said that 56.11 million Rupees have been provided for equipment, Rs.51.5 million for renovation of the buildings and Rs.3.71 million for provision of medicine. In the meeting, Chief Minister Health Road Map Team and the officers of PITB presented performance reports of the DHQ and THQ Hospitals and health centers, availability of medicines and presence of doctors and the staff at the health facilities.