Outgoing caretaker cabinet for rehabilitation of United Christian Hospital

–Cabinet members pay tribute to CM Askari for peaceful holding of polls

–CM directs foolproof security arrangements on Independence Day

LAHORE: Outgoing Punjab caretaker cabinet on Tuesday decided to provide a grant for payment of pending bills of the provincial capital’s rather neglected United Christian Hospital (UCH).

Chairing the last meeting of the caretaker provincial cabinet, Chief Minister Dr Hasan Askari said that steps would be taken to help resolve the issues of UCH. He directed the officials concerned to submit a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate the hospital and said it could be helpful in providing quality healthcare to patients following its rehabilitation.

The decision came after the dilapidated condition of the hospital was brought to limelight by media a couple of weeks ago. Reports informed that the hospital had reached the point that several of its areas had been closed and only one or two departments were operational due to lack of good doctors and other resources.

Earlier at the occasion, CM Askari appreciated the performance of provincial ministers, chief secretary, IG police, district administration, army, rangers and other agencies for befittingly fulfilling the duty of holding transparent elections.

He said that provision of a peaceful atmosphere to the voters on polling day was a national service as it helped the masses to exercise their right to vote in an independent manner.

“With the grace of Allah and the efforts made by different departments, polling day remained peaceful and tranquil. Police and administration have performed their election-related duties in a professional manner. I am thankful to the provincial ministers, chief secretary, IG and officials of the relevant departments for their proactive cooperation,” he said.

The chief minister also said that all matters pertaining to the government were settled amicably due to the hard work of the administration, which showed that positive results were achieved when government officials worked professionally and honestly

“My experience of working with you has remained good and the entire team has fulfilled a national obligation with commitment and hard work.”

Earlier, the members of the provincial cabinet paid tributes to the leadership, vision and administrative abilities of CM Askari.

The meeting also decided to celebrate the Independence Day with national fervour and zeal. It was decided that the main function of the Independence Day would be held at Hazoori Bagh in Lahore while celebrations would also be held at the division, district and tehsil levels across the province.

Deciding to ensure foolproof security arrangements on the day, the meeting also directed the authorities concerned to initiate a stern legal action against one-wheelers and others who put their and other commuters’ lives at risk. The chief minister said that permission could never be granted to take law into one’s own hands in the name of Independence Day and made it clear that legal action would be initiated against violators.

The cabinet meeting also decided to provide a financial grant for the treatment of a 15-year-old blood cancer patient.

Annual report for the year 2017 of the office of provincial ombudsman was also presented in the meeting and the cabinet gave an approval to constitute search committee for constituting the selection panel for appointment of vice chancellor of University of Home Economics Lahore.