LAHORE – Health Parliamentary Secretary Dr Saeed Elahi said the Punjab Institute of Mental Health (PIMH) would be upgraded up to international standards by providing latest equipment and adding new buildings. He said that recommendations would be sent to the Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif for early construction of the auditorium, gymnasium and women’s rehabilitation centre at PIMH. He expressed these views while addressing the concluding ceremony of Annual Sports Day of PIMH on Saturday.
The function was attended by PIMS Executive Director Dr Nusrat Habib Rana, Friends of PIMH President columnist Munoo Bhai, Patient Welfare Society members, representatives of different NGOs, philanthropists, doctors, nurses and patients. On the last day of the sports, different events were held which included Chati Race, Musical Chair, Tug of War, Bori Race amd others. The inmates of the institution as well as the doctors, nurses and paramedical staff also participated in these events. On this occasion, Dr Nusrat Habib Rana highlighted the issues relating to the mental health.
She said that national as well as international issues and socio-economic problems are also the cause of an increase in the mental diseases. She urged the media and the government to pay special attention for the solution of social problems. She said that media is more focused on political issues and the social problems like mental health have been put on the back burner. While addressing the function, Munoo Bhai said that he has close liaison with different philanthropists who have promised to extend cooperation for the construction of the Women’s Rehabilitation Centre. He said that the chief minister has also promise dthat he would give approval of development schemes of PIMH presented to him.
While addressing the prize distribution ceremony, Dr Saeed Elahi said that the CM was giving special attention to the health sector and huge funds were being spent on the development of new infrastructure. He said that on the directions of the chief minister, free treatment and diagnostic facilities are being provided in government hospitals, for this purpose Rs 6 billion was allocated in the current fiscal year. Dr. Saeed Elahi appreciated the services of the doctors, nurses and paramedics of PIMH who were treating and caring for patients with mental problems. He said that the relatives of these people do not own these patients but the doctors and nurses of this institution celebrate their happy hours with these special persons. Dr. Saeed Elahi was very much impressed by the discipline and interest shown by the patients in different sports activities.
.He said that the discipline and their devotion is a model for normal people and we have to learn good deeds from these inmates of PIMH. He appreciated the efforts of Dr. Nusrat Habib Rana for making PIMH a model institution. Later, Dr. Saeed Elahi distributed shields and medals among the outstanding players.
