Shahbaz Sharif warns of strict action for placing supply order of free medicines

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that strict action will be taken against those responsible for placing supply order of free medicines with delay. He said that the districts where timely supply orders for free medicines were not placed will face action according to the law. He said that officers of districts placing timely purchase and supply orders of free medicines will be encouraged.

He expressed these views while addressing video conference of divisional commissioners, DCOs, EDOs Health and senior officials at Civil Secretariat, here today. The conference reviewed in detail purchase, supply and provision of medicines to district and tehsil headquarter hospitals.

Chief Minister said that Punjab government is spending billions of rupees on provision of free medicines and the fruits should reach the people at every cost. He said that delay in purchase of free medicines and in placing purchase order is intolerable.

Shahbaz Sharif while issuing orders for complete audit of medicines in all district and tehsil headquarter hospitals, said that health department should conduct audit of all record of medicines from best financial audit firms by imposing emergency clause and process of audit should be started by sealing record of medical stores and pharmacies of district and field hospitals.

He said that provision of free medicines should be continued during third party audit. He said that government is determined to improve public health facilities. He said that officers serving ailing community will be encouraged while those lacking the spirit of service to ailing community have no right to stay on their posts.

The Chief Minister said that he is answerable to the people along with Allah Almighty. Provision of quality health facilities to the patients is his mission it which will be fulfilled at every cost, he added. Provincial Minister Finance Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chairman Planning & Development, Additional Chief Secretary, Secretary Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education, Secretary Primary & Secondary Health and concerned officials attended the meeting at Civil Secretariat whereas Divisional Commissioners, DCOs and EDOs participated through video link from their concerned offices.