FIC: Minister displeased with state of affairs
During his visit to the Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology, Salman expressed his displeasure over the mismanagement of the queue management system and non-availability of medicines at FIC.
He also visited the pathology lab and echography ward and inquired about the details of diagnostic tests and reporting time.
Khawaja Salman Rafique also expressed his displeasure over the mistreatment of patients by the security staff and the poor hygiene conditions.
The Minister and the Provincial Health Secretary inquired about the facilities available to patients individually in the emergency and OPD pharmacies and the provision of medicines. He directed authorities to create a regular mechanism for the availability of medicines other than heart disease for the patients under treatment. He inspected the packaging process and records of the supply of medicines to homes.
Khawaja Salman said that Rs 33 billion were provided for the provision of medicines in the last fiscal year. 'Implementation of the SOPs of service delivery set by the Chief Minister of Punjab should be ensured. Strict action will be taken on complaints about ordering medicines from outside the hospital,' he added.
The Minister said all medicines related to heart diseases should be available in the hospital, adding there is a zero tolerance policy for negligence in service delivery to patients.
Provincial Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood Khan said that Rs 23 billion funds were provided to hospitals to pay the dues of previous years. 'As per the instructions of the Chief Minister, strict action will be taken on the non-availability of medicines to patients,' he said.
Executive Director FIC Dr Hamid Saeed and MS Dr Nadeem Akhtar gave a briefing during the visit.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business Recorder
FIC: Minister displeased with state of affairs
LAHORE: Steps are under way to implement the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif for a healthy Punjab, Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, said. During his visit to the Faisalabad Institute of Cardiology, Salman expressed his displeasure over the mismanagement of the queue management system and non-availability of medicines at FIC. He also visited the pathology lab and echography ward and inquired about the details of diagnostic tests and reporting time. Khawaja Salman Rafique also expressed his displeasure over the mistreatment of patients by the security staff and the poor hygiene conditions. The Minister and the Provincial Health Secretary inquired about the facilities available to patients individually in the emergency and OPD pharmacies and the provision of medicines. He directed authorities to create a regular mechanism for the availability of medicines other than heart disease for the patients under treatment. He inspected the packaging process and records of the supply of medicines to homes. Khawaja Salman said that Rs 33 billion were provided for the provision of medicines in the last fiscal year. 'Implementation of the SOPs of service delivery set by the Chief Minister of Punjab should be ensured. Strict action will be taken on complaints about ordering medicines from outside the hospital,' he added. The Minister said all medicines related to heart diseases should be available in the hospital, adding there is a zero tolerance policy for negligence in service delivery to patients. Provincial Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood Khan said that Rs 23 billion funds were provided to hospitals to pay the dues of previous years. 'As per the instructions of the Chief Minister, strict action will be taken on the non-availability of medicines to patients,' he said. Executive Director FIC Dr Hamid Saeed and MS Dr Nadeem Akhtar gave a briefing during the visit. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
14-07-2025
- Business Recorder
Saylani announces establishment of childcare hospital in Karachi
DALLAS: Chairman of Saylani Welfare International Trust, Maulana Bashir Farooq Qadri, attended the APPNA Convention 2025 held in Dallas, Texas, organized by the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA). During the convention, Maulana Bashir Farooq Qadri met with medical professionals, surgeons, and doctors from the United States, Canada, and other countries, and announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art 'Saylani Child Care Hospital & Research Institute' in Karachi, Pakistan. He revealed that 2,800 square yards of land have already been acquired near Hill Park, located in the heart of the city. The estimated construction cost for the project is $12 million (approximately Rs 3.5 billion). Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
08-07-2025
- Business Recorder
Illegal cigarette market in Pakistan: Govt urged to prioritise anti-smuggling measures
KARACHI: Fawad Khan, spokesperson for Mustehkam Pakistan, has emphasised that 'Illicit trade is draining the country's resources and undermining its ability to function effectively. We hope the World Health Organization considers that further tax increases could unintentionally encourage the illegal cigarette market in Pakistan.' He further stated that while legal cigarette manufacturers contribute nearly all of the sector's tax revenue, they face growing pressure from untaxed and illicit products, many of which do not carry mandatory health warnings. 'Unless enforcement is strengthened, additional tax hikes may prove counterproductive by driving more consumers toward illicit brands,' he warned. Instead of focusing solely on tax increases, Pakistan must prioritise anti-illicit trade enforcement, as higher taxes without strong implementation may shift more consumers toward illegal products rather than reducing tobacco use. Current data revealed that the compliant tobacco sector generates nearly 98% of total tobacco tax revenue, yet holds just 46% of the market share. Meanwhile, untaxed and illegal products now account for over half of the market, resulting in an estimated annual loss of Rs 415 billion to the national exchequer. While the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to advocate for higher tobacco taxation as part of its efforts to reduce smoking, experts cautioned that ignoring the rampant illicit trade could undermine both public health objectives and revenue gains. If not addressed, further tax hikes may inadvertently fuel the black market for cigarettes. Fawad Khan emphasised that policy momentum must now be translated into action, including the implementation of a robust Track & Trace system, closing legal loopholes, and enhancing coordination among the FBR, Customs, and law enforcement agencies. He noted that similar digital monitoring mechanisms in the sugar and cement sectors have significantly improved revenue collection and could yield similar results in the tobacco sector. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
