DCOs to complete recruitment to posts of ad-hoc doctors :Chief Secretary Punjab

Lahore: Chief Secretary Punjab Khizar Hayat Gondal has directed all district coordination officers (DCOs) to complete recruitment to posts of ad-hoc doctors in district and tehsil hospitals as early as possible.

He issued this direction to DCOs through video link while presiding over a meeting to review performance of health department at district level, at Civil Secretariat here on Wednesday. Advisor on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique, Secretary Health Jawad Rafique Malik, DCO Lahore and officers of health department attended the meeting.

The Chief Secretary said that like cities provision of best healthcare facilities for people of rural areas is the top priority of the government. He said that all possible steps are being taken to improve health sector in rural areas. He mentioned that attractive salary package and other benefits are being given to the doctors serving in far-flung areas. He warned that no negligence and laxity would be tolerated in provision of medical facilities to people. He directed that availability of medicines, missing facilities and cleanliness be ensured in all district, tehsil hospitals and health centres. He also directed the DCOs to submit a weekly performance report in this regard.

Earlier, the Chief Secretary chaired a meeting regarding flood management. The meeting discussed weather conditions, river flows and inflow and outflow at Terbela Dam.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary said that the federal and provincial departments should enhance coordination regarding flood management. He said that better planning and coordinated efforts can help cope with natural disaster like flood. He directed that protective arrangements be checked again so that any untoward situation could be dealt with effectively.

Secretary Irrigation Saif Anjum gave briefing to the meeting through video link from Rahim Yar Khan. He said that regular monitoring of flood is being ensured and situation is under control. He added that staff of irrigation department is working round-the-clock in the field.

Those among present were: Secretary I&C Capt (r) Javed Akbar, DG Met, officers of Ministry of Water and Power, WAPDA, Tarbela Dam and DCO Lahore.