Latest news with #KhawajaSalmanRafique
Express Tribune
16-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Action taken over use of expired stents in 2021-22: minister
Provincial Specialised Healthcare Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that departmental action has been taken against all those responsible for the use of expired stents in the Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) during 2021-22 as pointed out in a recent report of the auditor general. He said the treatment of each patient at the institute is monitored by the chairman of the board of management, executive director and medical superintendent. They minister stated that the patients area using the treatment facilities with full trust as guaranteed stents are used in the PIC. According to sources, corruption of around Rs260 million was also exposed in the report that stated that the hospital administration had used completed expired and substandard stents during heart surgeries and had avoided submitting a reply about the matter. The sources said corruption in the purchase of surgical instruments and medicines had also been pointed out. A large number of heart patients from across Punjab and other provinces seek treatment in the PIC because of the best available facilities. "According to the auditor general's report, 22 patients were affected by the use of expired stents in 2021 and 2022," an official of the PIC said. He said some officials suspected of being involved in corruption had retired, were some were still serving in the health department. The auditor general had sought a reply about the alleged corruption and mismanagement but it was not submitted. Corruption was allegedly done in the main store of the PIC during the purchase of surgical instruments and medicines, while tampered bills caused loss to the institution. The official said the auditors had thoroughly examined the documents of the patients and the hospital. A health department spokesperson, Sayed Hamad Raza, said it was a follow-up report of the auditor general and the previous government of the PTI was responsible for it.
Express Tribune
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Punjab to establish Forensic Science Authority
LAHORE: The Punjab government has introduced the Punjab Forensic Science Authority Act 2024 in the provincial assembly, aiming to enhance forensic investigations across the province. The new bill seeks to upgrade the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) into an autonomous authority, with the Punjab Chief Minister serving as its Chairperson. According to the Punjab Home Department, the Provincial Cabinet has already approved the bill, which has now been referred to the Punjab Assembly's Special Committee on Home Affairs for further deliberation. The proposed authority will comprise senior officials, including the Home Secretary, Finance Secretary, Law Secretary, Planning & Development Secretary, Public Prosecution Secretary, Punjab Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Forensic Science Authority. Additionally, experts in audio-visual analysis, computer forensics, criminology, molecular sciences, and pathology will be part of the technical panel. Equipped with modern forensic tools and technologies, the new authority aims to bring scientific investigations in Punjab up to international standards. A dedicated fund will be established to support forensic research and development. The bill also mandates that forensic experts provide professional opinions and reports in courts and tribunals. Once enacted, the Punjab Forensic Science Authority Act 2024 will repeal the Punjab Forensic Science Agency Act 2007. Meanwhile, the Punjab Cabinet Committee on Law and Order convened to review security arrangements for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and Raiwind Tablighi Ijtima, ensuring comprehensive measures for these major events. During the committee's 22nd meeting, chaired by Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, officials discussed security preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the Raiwind congregation. Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal provided a detailed briefing on the province's security situation, while the committee reviewed joint security audit reports of Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Officials were directed to implement fool-proof security measures. To strengthen security, the deployment of five Army companies and one Rangers wing was approved for the Champions Trophy.
