Reviews proposed amends to Punjab Mental Health Authority Act Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid directed the Punjab Health Facilities Management Company (PHFMC) to ensure the provision of essential healthcare services in Rural Health Centres and Basic Health Units in a meeting at the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department here on Monday.
The Health Minister also reviewed the performance of the Punjab Health Facilities Management Company.
Present in the meeting were Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department Imran Sikander Baloch, Special Secretary Saleha Saeed, CEO PHFMC Nasim Sadiq and Technical Advisor Dr. Akhtar Rasheed. CEO PHFMC Nasim Sadiq presented a revamping plan for the next 100 days.
The Health Minister said, “The PHFMC should ensure complete functionality of the Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centres (RHCs). Stringent monitoring is being introduced for the provision of mandated health services at BHUs and RHCs. Similarly, the monitoring mechanism to ensure the availability of medicines the BHUs and RHCs is also being strengthened.
Directions have been issued to fill vacant positions in the districts managed by the PHFMC. Monthly health check-up of children in the 14 districts under the School Health Nutrition Program is also being initiated.
Pre natal and post natal services are being made available at the RHCs and BHUs. Mobile Health Units are to be branded and being made useful for the general public. The PHFMC is being given all required resources to facilitate public.”
Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid reviewed proposed amendments to the Punjab Mental Health Authority Act at a meeting at the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education here on Monday.
Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, Additional Secretary Dr Salman Shahid, Executive Director Mental Hospital Dr Ashraf, Mian Zahidur Rehman Bata and officials of the Punjab mental Health Authority attended the meeting. Mian Zahidur Rehman Bata Advocate elaborated the different sections of the Act.
The Health Minister said, “In order to ensure improved services for mental patients, the Mental Health Authority Act is being reviewed. The proposed amendments shall be sent to Law Department.
We have also proposed names for the Board of Visitors. The Institute of Mental Health continued to provide services during all four waves of the Corona Pandemic. The new office of the Authority is about to get functional very soon. Compliance with new amendments shall be ensured.
In the long run, a proper secretariat shall be set up for the Mental health Authority. More than 1100 patients are receiving free treatment, diagnostic, food and other services at the Institute of Mental Health.”
