Daily Times

LAHORE: Primary & Secondary Health Care Department Punjab and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) signed an agreement regarding handing over of administrative affairs of Tehsil Headquarters Hospital, Fort Minro to PAF.

Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was also present on the occasion. It was informed on the occasion that a 40 bed hospital in Fort Minro was constructed at a cost of Rs 15 crore Rs 7,500,000.

The process of providing all necessary medical apparatuses according to PC-1 has been completed in the hospital which is stretched over an area of 20 kanals. After the completion of Tehsil Head Quarter Hospital, Fort Minro, the matters related to the provision of medical facilities and administrative matters is being shifted to PAF. It is noteworthy that a Memorandum of Understanding has already been signed between PAF and School Education Department on March 18 which says that PAF will set up a PAF Cadet College at 100 acres of land in Fort Minro and Punjab government will contribute Rs 1 billion for it. Likewise, a proposal has been anticipatedfor THQ between PAF and the Primary & Secondary Health Care, under which the Primary & Secondary Health Care Department will handover THQ Hospital to PAF and will also make available Rs 17.5 crore in the current financial year.

Speaking on the occasion, Punjab CM Shehbaz Sharif said that establishment of THQ at Fort Minro the refreshing point of Dera Ghazi Khan and handing over its administrative affairs to PAF is a historical move. While congratulating the authorities concerned, the CM said that with the establishment of this THQ Hospital, not only the natives will be provided with best health facilities, but tourists could also get assistance from it. The government is vigilant to improve health facilities for its people by providing incinerator, CT scan machines, pathology laboratories, construction of new blocks and completion of development projects. Health culture has changed in Punjab as hospitals are now equipped with latest technologies and service of 24 hours CT scan test also government has put an end to medical test fee on all hospitals of the province. Shehbaz Sharif said that new hospitals, schools, colleges, universities and roads have been constructed in whole Punjab including DG Khan.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government has taken robust steps for the welfare of people of South Punjab. With establishment of cadet college at Fort Minro, THQ Hospital and provision of other facilities will not only assist the local population but will also promote tourism.

While talking to media persons after signing ceremony, the CM said that PAF is cooperating with the Punjab government in different sectors of public welfare. The PAF has rendered remarkable services to assist Punjab government to help and recuse people in the difficult time of flood. According to a report issued by the United Nations Development Programme, Punjab has been declared best province among other in terms of education, health and other sectors which is a gratified moment for us, he added and further shared that we believe in joint and coordinated efforts for welfare of public also want to see same development in other provinces.

Mentioning the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital, the CM said that Turkey helped in in the hour of need and “we never forget our well-wishers”.

Chief Of Air Staff Mujahid Anwar Khan while addressing the ceremony said that it is an honour for PAF that administrative responsibilities of THQ Fort Minro have been shifted to “us and we highly regard Punjab government for showing this confidence”, he said adding that PAF is not only protecting the boundaries but also serving public in the fields of education and health.

He vowed that they will opt all out efforts to provide best medical facilities to the people of DG Khan and other far-flanged areas. He said that we will keep serving people in all other fields along-with health.

The ceremony was attended by Federal Minister for Energy Awais Khan Leghari, Provincial Minister Dr Aisha Ghaus Pasha, Khawaja Salman Rafique, Khawaja Imran Nazir, chief sectary and other concerned officials.

A high level delegation headed by Norenko President Wen Gang called on Sharif.

The president congratulated Sharif over the successful launch of the Orange Line Metro Train service.

The CM at this moment said that this successful trial is an important milestone and this great project is a gift for Pakistan especially for the people of Lahore from the president and prime minister of China.

The Metro Train project holds a historical position for Pak-China friendship and if there was no delay in the project, then Metro Train would have been operational today.

Former Member of Provincial Assembly Ilyas Khan from Kasur called on Sharif.

Published in Daily Times, May 21^ST 2018.