A 7-member delegation of PMA calls on Kh Salman and Secretary Health

Lahore: A 7-member delegation of Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) called on Advisor Health Punjab Kh. Salman Rafiq and Secretary Health Jawad Rafique Malik at Civil Secretariat today and apprised them of problems being faced by the doctors.

The delegation included President PMA Punjab Dr. Mehar Iqbal, President PMA Lahore Dr. Tanveer Anwar, General Secretary Dr. Izhar Chaudhary, Dr. Shahid Malik, Dr. Ehsan ur Rehman and Dr. Qazi Yasir Faiz. Matters regarding promotion of doctors to next grades, seniority list, filling of vacant posts of general cadre and teaching cadre in hospitals and medical colleges, improvement of primary and secondary healthcare and steps taken for mother and child health and reduction in mortality rate during pregnancy came under discussion on the occasion.

 Kh. Salman Rafiq informed the delegation about service structure of doctors, promotion to next grades and appointment of doctors against vacant posts. He told that approval for recruitment on adhoc basis has been given for meeting the shortage of doctors at basic health units and rural health centers. He said that under Punjab Health Roadmap Development, all health centers are being up-graded. He said that android phones have been provided to the vaccinators for improving routine coverage of EPI Program. Kh. Sulman Rafiq said that besides increasing the number of skilled birth attendants and community midwives for controlling mortality during pregnancy, a coordinated program of training is also being implemented. He said that round the clock facility of delivery has been provided in 50 basic health units and its scope is being expanded to other basic health centers under 24/7 program.

Secretary Health Jawad Rafique Malik told that annual budget of Rs. 3.3 lakh each has been allocated for basic health centers. Ha said that e- monitoring system has been introduced in health department.