Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan has said that special emphasis is being laid on revival and improved functioning of public sector health institutions to ensure 100 per cent utilisation of resources which in turn would result in provision of better health care facilities to the poor and needy patients.
The governor said this during his visit to Karachi Institute of Heart Diseases (KIHD) and Abbasi Shaheed Hospital (ASH). Karachi Commissioner Syed Asif Hyder Shah, Municipal Commissioner KMC Samiuddin Siddiqui and Senior Director Medical Services KMC Dr Salma Kausar were also present on the occasion.
Dr Ebad said that Brig Ashfaq had been nominated by him to daily visit both health facilities and prepare a report highlighting short- and long-term solution for better and improved working of both health institutions. The main problem of these hospitals was negligence and non-provision of funds due to which these institutions were not working according to their strength, he said, adding that it was being ensured to utilise available resources and provide required medical equipment to ensure 100 per cent functioning of these institutions.
While mentioning his directives during last visit to ASH, the governor said that improvement work had been started although 15-20 per cent betterment had been made so far. It was hoped that the hospital would be operating according to the directives within three months, he added.
He also directed for urgent efforts for provision of Sui gas plant for the KIHD and coordinating with SSGC for ensuring the same at an earliest, which has been long awaited. Patients should always be given priority in implementation of policies and strategies in any institution and there was an urgent need to assure the same, he added.
During his visit to ASH, he said this was a very important health care institution of Karachi and as such it should be attached priority by all concerned departments. Over all cleanliness should be further improved, he directed.
While talking to media, the governor said that the purpose of his visit to these institutions was to witness himself the problems, requirements and facilities so as to evolve a comprehensive strategy for the solution of the same at the earliest.
Replying to a question about National Action Plan and Karachi operation, the governor said that it was continuing according to the parameters of NAP. The personnel of law enforcement agencies had sacrificed their lives for ensuring peace in Karachi, he said. Due to successful interventions of law enforcement agencies, the Karachiites were enjoying economic, social, cultural and recreational activities without any fear or trepidation and Karachi was once again returning to its past glory, he concluded.