LAHORE, July 22: The Punjab government will appoint new heads of the medical institutions from a pool of 72 short-listed candidates by its committee, parliamentary secretary on health Dr Saeed Elahi says.

“We have already appointed principals of four medical colleges in the province from the short-listed candidates’ pool of 72 keeping in view the seniority issue,” Mr Elahi told Dawn on Sunday.

He said during the Musharaf regime gross violation was committed as juniors had been appointed heads of the medical institutions in Punjab. “The pool of 72 eligible candidates was finalized before the young doctors’ recent strike and the government has started implementing it gradually,” he said.

Dr Elahi said all new appointments in this regard would strictly be made in accordance with the recommendation of the committee. “We have chosen thorough professionals having no political association for the slot,” he added.

Dr Saeed Elahi, Dr Asad Ashraf, Salman Rafique and the chief secretary and health secretaries were among the members of the committee.—Staff Reporter