Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif presided over a two and half hours long meeting here today which reviewed various proposals to improve healthcare system in the province. Addressing the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif said that it is the responsibility of the government to improve healthcare system in the province and Punjab government is taking different measures to fulfill its responsibilities in this regard. He said that there is a need to benefit from the experience and skill of those running hospitals in private sector for the uplift of healthcare system. He said that while there are a number of challenges with regard to up-gradation of public healthcare facilities, there are also vested interests. He said that private sector will have to work side by side the government in the service of ailing humanity. He said that he is personally visiting hospitals to review the situation. He said that improvement of healthcare system is essential for setting up a healthy society and he is determined to overcome all challenges. He said that access to quality medical facilities in hospitals is a right of common man. He said that all efforts of the government are aimed at provision of better treatment facilities to patients and the role of private sector is of vital importance in this regard. He said that there is a need to work collectively to serve the ailing humanity. Chief Executive Officer Indus Hospital Prof. Dr. Abdul Bari told that the pace of work in Punjab is unprecedented. Administrators private sector hospitals assured the Chief Minister that they are with him for the improvement of healthcare system in the province. Advisor on Health Kh. Salman Rafique, Chief Secretary, Parliamentary Secretary Imran Nazir, Additional Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, concerned secretaries, medical experts as well as administrators and NGOs running hospitals in private sector attended the meeting. Ch. Ahmed Saeed of Shalimar Hospital, Chief Executive Officer Shalimar Hospital Brig. (Retd.) Anees Ahmed, Patron-in-Chief Noor Foundation Shaima Rehman, President Liaquat National Hospital Karachi Syed Shahid Ali besides others were present on the occasion.
