Better healthcare facilities can be provided to the people by effective use of a big work force and huge infrastructure of the Health Department, said Advisor to Punjab Chief Minister on Health Khawja Salman Rafiq while presiding over a high level meeting to review the proposals for restructuring of the department and devolving the powers at grass root level.
Secretary Health Jawwad Raffique Malik, Director General Health Dr Zahid Pervaiz, Strategic and Policy Management Unit (PSPU) Director Ali Bahadur Qazi, Senior Health Specialist of World Bank Dr Tayyab Mahmood, Technical Resource Facility Plus (TRF+) Team Leader Dr Anwar Janjua, health specialist Dr Naeemuddin Mian, Health Department Director Finance Tanvir Baig, Dr Zahida Sarwar and Hamid Yaqoob of SNG attended the meeting.
It was informed that during the last two decades, the work force of the department has surged to over 150,000 and the facilities have also increased to 3500, whereas, 19 medical colleges have been established in public sector. The meeting reviewed the work load of the department, responsibilities of provinces after transferring of vertical health programmes to the provinces under 18th Constitutional Amendment.
Dr Anwar Janjua gave a presentation on the administrative powers of EDO Health and DOH, functioning of District Health Authorities (DHA).
The meeting also discussed the improvement of working of teaching hospitals and for this purpose effective role of board of management of autonomous health institutions.
Rafiq said that the Punjab Assembly has already passed the Act of District Health Authorities and rules have also been drafted. He said that there should be a strong system of check and balance in the department. The secretary health said that an effective system is being evolved in the department for the accountability, appropriate utilisation of funds and internal audit system. He was of the view that restructuring of the department is necessary to get maximum results of the reforms and development work being carried out under the Chief Minister Health Roadmap Programme for direct benefit of the people.
