Punjab Chief Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi on Saturday approved the upgradation of the Punjab Institute of Cardiology’s (PIC) emergency ward. During his visit, the CM also ordered that improvements be made in the provision of facilities at the
ward. He reviewed the treatment facilities being provided at the hospital besides going round different wards, including general cardiac surgery ward and intensive care unit (ICU), and even private rooms. He said that in order to reduce the backlog of bypass operations, it had been decided to hire the services of more surgeons. The chief minister was of the view that instead of building new structures, there was a need to utilize resources for the repair of those already existing. He also praised the hospital’s administration for making operation theaters infection free. He inquired after the patients and prayed for their fast recovery. CM Naqvi also checked washrooms and beds of different wards and ordered replacing old ones with new ones.

The patients, present on the occasion, complained to him about delay in their surgeries. The chief minister directed the institute’s administration to perform bypass of patients within seven days and angiography within four days. Addressing the CM, Muhammad Farooq, an elderly patient, praised him for working round the clock for making improvements in the province’s hospitals. Shahida Perveen, another patient, patted on the back of the chief minister and said, “Well done my son! You are doing a great job. May The Almighty Allah keep you hale and hearty.” The CM kept standing there and listened attentively to the old woman. He directed that patients should immediately be shifted from emergency to wards on improvement in their condition. “Call the PIC’s board meeting for taking some important decisions,” he ordered. Provincial ministers Amir Mir, Dr. Javed Akram, additional chief secretary, PIC Chairman Dr. Farqad Alamgir, secretary health, secretary communications and other officials were also present on the occasion.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)