KARACHI, Sept 17: Sindh Health Minister Shabbir Ahmed Qaimkhani on Saturday announced two ambulances for Lyari General Hospital and assured that the children of deceased employees of hospital would be given jobs when fresh appointments were made.

Speaking at an award distribution ceremony, the minister appreciated hard work of doctors and paramedical staff and said honest staff would be encouraged and appreciated.

“Genuine problems of doctors and paramedics will be solved on priority bases. However, stern action will be taken against staff found involved in negligence,” he said and asked hospital administration to ensure cleanliness in the hospital.

The medical superintendent of Lyari General Hospital, Dr Akbar Hyder Soomro, apprised the minister that there was only one ambulance, which was out of order. He said substandard medicines were being provided by I.I. Depot earlier and medicines of multinational companies were not provided to the hospital.

“A library has been established in the hospital to keep doctors update of new advancements in the medical field and a computer literacy programme has also been started for doctors. Steps have been taken to upgrade this facility as teaching hospital,” he informed.

Paramedical representative Babar Khan also spoke on the occasion.

Later, the minister visited various wards of hospital and gave flowers and fruits to patients in connection of birthday anniversary of Mutahida Qaumi Movement chief Altaf Hussain on Saturday. He went to every bed and inquired about patients’ well-being.

Earlier, the health minister visited Paediatrics Unit I & III as well as Cardiac Surgery Department of the Civil Hospital Karachi. He gave flowers and fruits to patients and inquired about their health. He also inquired about provision of medicines and other facilities at the hospital. He appreciated working of cardiac surgery department.

On the occasion, CHK’s medical superintendent Dr Kaleem Butt informed the minister about existing facilities in the hospital. Haq Parast MPAs Bilqees Mukhtar and Abdul Aziz Bantva were also present.—PPI