PESHAWAR, Pakistan: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman (PTI) Imran Khan Tuesday said in order to improve the health services at government hospitals in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the government would make those autonomous at any cost.
He deplored that a handful of senior doctors have challenged the government’s decision in court of law but PTI leader expressed resolve that KPK government would fight the case in the court and implement the decision to provide best health care facilities to the people.
He said that approximately 10 million people visit government hospitals every year but unfortunately they get poor health services due to absence of doctors from duty, adding that according to government figure 33 percent doctors perform 6 hours duty daily, 27 per cent perform four hours duty, 22 per cent perform 3 hours, 17 per cent perform two hour and seven per cent perform one hour.
Imran Khan made it clear to all the doctors who have opposed the provincial government’s decision of making the government hospital autonomous that his party and KPK government would even make the names of those doctors public so that the public may know such people.
He said that the new building of Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) was being contrasted for last seven years but unfortunately it was not completed by any previous government, adding Rs. 7 billion has so far been incurred on the project but yet to be completed.
He said that on the other hand Shaukat Khanam Hospital in Peshawar is being constructed at international standard and to be inaugurated by December this year adding that a total Rs. 3 billion has incurred on the project.
PTI Chief said that his party is against the centralization of power at any level whether it government level or departments. He said that devolution of powers to local level has also started by PTI government in KPK and followed by other provinces.
Responding to question, Provincial Health Minister Shahram Taraqai informed that the government is taking actions against doctors including termination from services while keeping in view the performance and Annual Confidential Report (ACR).
Source: APP