SC summons report on government-run hospitals within ten days

–CJP says Punjab govt spending millions on publicity

–Warns against halting Orange Line Train-like projects

 

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday has summoned reports from Medical Superintendents (MSs) on the conditions prevalent at government-run hospitals in Pakistan within ten days.

A three-member bench heard suo moto notice at Supreme Court’s (SC) Lahore Registry today. Attorney General, Chief Secretary Punjab and MSs of all government hospitals were also present on the occasion.

The Chief Justice has deplored the dismal condition of public sector hospitals in the provincial capital and warned the Punjab government of halting development projects, if no initiative is taken to improve healthcare and educational facilities.

As per details, CJP warned against halting Orange Line Train-like projects if no attention was paid to basic health and education facilities.

While expressing exasperation over poor conditions, CJP remarked that machines were not working properly while those responsible were not paying heed to the issue.

“Why those doctors who are working at government hospitals are running private clinics,” remarked CJP.

He clarified that the apex court’s taking notice of the situation of public sector hospitals was aimed at ensuring improvement in healthcare facilities, not taking action against them.

In a reference to the provincial government’s costly advertisements showcasing its performance, the chief justice said the government should provide medicines instead of spending on advertisements.

He remarked the Punjab government was spending millions of rupees on advertisements.

It is pertinent to mention that CJP Justice Mian Saqib Nisar took suo moto notice of the poor condition of government-controlled hospitals across Lahore.

He ordered the medical superintendents in all 19 government hospitals to submit detailed reports in the Lahore Registry by January 6. Justice Nisar also asked the medical superintendents to appear in the court in-person along with the reports on the same day.

While addressing the chief secretary, CJP Nisar said it was their responsibility to provide best possible healthcare. If no work was done in the health and education fields, other projects, including Orange Line Metro Train project, would be halted, he warned.