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Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Azma praises Maryam's governance model
LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that Maryam Nawaz's governance model is non-political and people-centric. Responded to opposition allegations, Azma stated that in the past, democratic voices were suppressed in the House, but under Maryam Nawaz's leadership, every member now enjoys complete freedom of expression. She emphasized that the current budget prioritizes public welfare. A substantial amount of Rs300 billion has been allocated for law and order, and the Punjab police have been equipped with modern weapons, transform them into an effective force against terrorism. Police posts have now been established across the province, even in remote riverine areas, she said. Azma Bokhari highlighted that Rs811 billion have been allocated for the education sector. This includes school upgrades, establishment of modern IT labs, and provision of new furniture, distribution of Google certifications, laptops, and scholarships. She added that although a false case was filed against Shehbaz Sharif's laptop scheme, its positive impact is now clearly visible. In the health sector, Rs630 billion have been earmarked. This includes revamping of public hospitals, provision of free medicines, improvements in health clinics, and the deployment of young doctors. Medical services are now available at the Union Council level, and free medications are being provided for serious diseases such as cancer, hepatitis, and tuberculosis, she said. On the matter of local government elections, Bokhari reminded the opposition that it was they who once dissolved elected local bodies in Punjab. She confirmed that the process for new local bodies' elections is already underway. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
11-03-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Medicine shortage hits hospital
One of South Punjab's largest healthcare facilities, Bahawal Victoria Hospital, is facing a shortage of medicines, leaving patients without essential free medications. The shortage has caused distress among patients and their families, who are forced to purchase expensive medicines from private pharmacies. The hospital's outpatient department (OPD) is also affected, with 52 essential medicines unavailable, including antibiotics, paracetamol syrup, cough syrups, and laxatives for children. According to Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Aamir Bukhari, the shortage is due to a lack of funds. "We requested Rs1.25 billion for medicines this year, but only Rs530 million was allocated," he revealed. He explained that 60% of the budget had already been spent on purchasing oxygen and dialysis disposables, leaving no funds for free medicines. Patients arriving from remote areas are facing hardship due to the unavailability of medicines. Critical supplies, including insulin, psychiatric drugs, gastroenterology treatments, and skin disease medications, are missing from the OPD. In the gynaecology department, essential supplements like calcium, multivitamins, and fever medicines for both children and adults are unavailable. Dr Bukhari also disclosed that Rs630 million from last year's medical supply payments are still pending, worsening the crisis. The hospital, which handles over 3,500 emergency cases and 8,000 OPD patients daily, is also struggling to provide injectable medicines for indoor patients due to financial constraints.
