Foolproof security arrangements should be ensured in all government medical colleges: Kh Salman

Lahore: Advisor on Health Kh. Salman Rafique has directed that foolproof security arrangements should be ensured in all government medical colleges of the province and the SOPs issued in this regard be implemented strictly.

He said this while presiding over a meeting for reviewing security arrangements according to checklist in medical colleges, teaching hospitals and specialized health institutions at Civil Secretariat, here today.

Secretary Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Najam Ahmad Shah, Vice Chancellors of King Edward Medical University, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Principals of all medical colleges of the province, heads of teaching hospitals and specialized healthcare institutions attended the meeting.

Concerned senior officers of Health Department also attended the meeting. The meeting discussed raising of boundary walls of medical colleges to 8 feet, fixing barbed wire on walls, installation of security cameras, setting up control rooms and deployment of security guards and other matters.

Secretary Health Najam Ahmad Shah said that no compromise will be made on security arrangements in medical colleges. He directed that such boundary walls of the government colleges as are small or incomplete should immediately be raised according to prescribed standard and barbed wire be fixed.

He directed that the security guards above the age of 47 years should not be recruited and the renowned security companies of good repute should be contacted for acquiring the services of security guards. Najam Shah directed that the weapons of security guards should be in working condition and the services of officers of the rank of at least retired major or colonel of Pak Army should be acquired for commanding security matters. He further said that every medical college should set up security room and medical colleges and hospitals should purchase walkthrough gates and metal detectors according to their requirements.

Secretary Health directed that close contacts should be made with district administration and concerned institutions regarding security arrangements. He said that on the direction of Chief Minister Punjab, committees have been constituted at district level which are visiting institutions for inspecting security arrangements. He said that necessary funds will be provided for ensuring security arrangements.

Addressing the meeting, Kh. Salman Rafique said that the incidents of terrorism cannot weaken the determination of Pakistani nation. He said that security threats will have to be faced with courage and valor and strict surveillance and vigilant eye will have to be kept for security in the limits of educational institutions and hospitals. He stressed the need of promoting narrative of Pakistan among students and teachers of colleges and presenting true image of Islam.

He said that steps should also be taken for promoting sentiments of tolerance and patience. Two separate committees for the security of teaching hospitals, medical and nurses hostels were also constituted in the meeting which will present their reports by Tuesday.