Two Medical Officers transferred on Reports of Citizen Feedback Monitoring Program

Lahore: Citizen Feedback Monitoring Program (CFMP), a mechanism established to curb petty corruption and improve service delivery through citizen feedback gathering in Punjab, has resulted in easy resolution of complaints and improved efficiency in public offices.

Recently, The District Coordination Officer of Bahawalnagar Syed Iqbal Haider issued immediate transfer orders to two doctors on the basis of negative feedback received through this program.

According to the details, The Chief Minister of Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, through CFMP, inquires from citizens visiting various government hospitals and offices whether they were asked to pay a bribe or were mistreated by a government official? If multiple complaints are registered against a particular official, prompt actions are taken against that individual. Due to the negative feedback received through this program, it was reported that a citizen, Halima Bibi, complained that her mother was taken to the Tehsil Headquarter Hospital, Haroonabad after an accident where the doctor on duty, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad refused to perform a vital surgery. The patient had to get the surgery from a private hospital, incurring heavy expenses.

An underprivileged citizen complained against the Senior Medical Officer of Rural Health Center Donga Bonga District Bahawalnagar, Dr. Mahmood Ahmad Pansota, saying that he had to buy all medicines from a private pharmacy and also had to pay a fee of Rs.500 for a blood test.  The DCO took action against both doctors and as punishment, immediately transferred them from present postings.

Meanwhile, Chairman Punjab Information Technology Board Dr. Umar Saif said that the Citizen Feedback Monitoring Program Punjab is running successfully in various government departments. It is relaying the complaints of the citizens directly to the higher authorities, enabling them to take immediate corrective actions. He also said that it is a recognition of CFMP that the European country Albania had also implemented this program to curb corruption from within hospitals.