Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi paid a lengthy three-hour visit to Jinnah Hospital Tuesday. Expressing deep dismay over the deteriorating condition of the hospital, he immediately ordered the replacement of the medical superintendent and sought a reply from the principal of Jinnah Hospital within three days. Taking strict notice of the absence of a senior professor at Jinnah Hospital, Mohsin Naqvi promptly ordered an inquiry.
Furthermore, the contract of the parking lot contractor was revoked due to overcharging, and the contract has been reassigned to Lahore Parking Company. Patients voiced their concerns directly to Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi, citing issues such as peeling paint on the walls and ceilings, water accumulation in the basement, unavailability of free medications and medical tests, and the presence of bed bugs and cockroaches on the floors and beds. They had to fetch urine bags and drip sets from outside the hospital. Patients also shared their frustration about being compelled to undergo tests exclusively at a specific laboratory.
The Medical Superintendent Dr Amjad Mehmood failed to provide satisfactory answers regarding the shortage of medicines and reliance on private labs for tests. Most of the hospital’s air conditioners were either non-functional or in poor condition, resulting in discomfort for patients confined to the wards, who were already suffering from the suffocating hot weather conditions. A female patient expressed her plight to the chief minister, stating that there was no drinking water available, and she had to leave the premises to quench her thirst. Wood scraps were found piled up in the corridors and rooms, prompting Mohsin Naqvi to issue an immediate order for their removal and storage.
The CM emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to improve the hospital’s conditions. Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi inaugurated the tracking system and e-Challan app for the Punjab Highway Patrolling Police. This system will help in identifying stolen vehicles that have fake number plates.
During a meeting with officials from the Highway Patrolling Police and Punjab Safe Cities Authority, the CM appreciated the efforts of the IG police and his team in introducing this tracking system and app.
The CM directed the Punjab Highway Patrolling Police to carry out their responsibilities with utmost dedication. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive road safety plan and ordered strict legal action against motorcyclists who fail to comply with helmet regulations. He stressed the importance of cracking down on unlicensed vehicles and motorcyclists throughout Punjab and taking all necessary steps to ensure road safety.
The IG police and DG Rescue 1122 briefed about the key features of the tracking system, app and road safety.
Provincial Minister for Information and Local Government Amir Mir, chief secretary, addl chief secretary, chairman P&D, ACS (Home), secretaries of law, information, transport, Addl IG & DIG (Punjab Highway Patrolling Police), CCPO Lahore, DIG (Ops), DIG (Traffic), CTO Lahore, chairman PITB and others were also present.
