Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Hamza Shehbaz on Monday directed the health department to ensure the provision of free medicines to people at hospitals, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

While chairing the provincial health department meeting in Lahore, the chief minister announced that the ‘health card’ programme in Punjab would continue.

He asked the department officials to see to it that best healthcare facilities were provided to the people at all province’s hospitals.

He said that ordinary people should be given complete respect at hospitals.  

Hamza also gave instructions for ensuring compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) devised with respect to the dengue virus.  

Punjab CM urged the concerned officials to make sure 100 per cent transparent purchase of medicines.  

He also announced that he would visit hospitals in days to come to monitor the working of the staff. 

Water shortage in parts of Lahore

Taking notice of the short water supply in different parts of Lahore, especially in the walled city, Punjab Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz on Monday ordered the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to take steps on a war footing to deal with the issue, reported 24NewsHD TV channel. 

Chairing a high-level meeting in Lahore, the Punjab CM also ordered the establishment of a coordinated system to overcome water shortage in these areas. “Install generators to power tube-wells in the water deficient areas,” he directed. 

Hamza also directed the concerned officials to ensure cleaning of nullahs (water drains) in the provincial capital ahead of the monsoon season. “Make an action plan in this regard,” he urged the officials. 

He asked the MD WASA to give him a detailed briefing him about the progress made in this connection with the help of videos after Eidul Fitr. “Constitute special teams at union council level to monitor the cleaning process,” the chief minister ordered.   

Similarly, Hamza asked the concerned officials to devise a mechanism for the drainage of rainwater. “I will not listen to excuses once the rainy season sets in,” he warned.

Reporter: Umar Aslam