LAHORE: Chief Minister Parvez Elahi on Tuesday approved the introduction of cyber-knife technology in Jinnah Hospital (Lahore) and Nishtar Hospital (Multan) to treat cancer shortly and other complex diseases free of cost.

Chairing a meeting, the CM said doctors will also be trained about this treatment method. The patients will get immense convenience as the Punjab government has made it a part of the health card programme through Ghurki Hospital, he added. Meanwhile, the government would also deliberate on giving the status of a university to Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, and required legislation will be made after an early decision, he said.

AIMC’s Dr Abdul Majeed Chaudhry, Dr Nadeem Hafeez Butt, Principal Secretary to CM Muhammad Khan Bhatti, secretary finance, and special secretary specialised healthcare and medical education and others attended the meeting.

RAIWIND CONGREGATION: The CM has directed that best arrangements should be made for the people coming to attend the annual Tableeghi Ijtema at Raiwind as they are the guests of the Punjab government who would be extended the best hospitality.

Presiding over a meeting at his office to review arrangements, security plans and other issues, the CM noted that a large number of people, from across the globe, are attending this annually-held congregation.

The CM asked the administration to complete arrangements on time while ensuring CCTV surveillance of entry and exit points. For this purpose, more cameras should be installed besides arranging additional police patrolling, he said and added that the number of wardens should also be increased for a smooth flow of traffic. The administration and line departments should ensure the implementation of a security plan, along with best arrangements, while maintaining prompt coordination, he said and directed the communication and works department secretary and DG LDA to submit a report about repair and maintenance of area roads after completing the job on a priority basis. Suitable lighting arrangements should also be ensured around the venue including the Raiwind by-pass and Wasa should ensure maintaining effective supply of water for the participants, he said.

The CM also ordered maintaining the best food arrangements for police and other duty officials. The number of Rescue 1122 staff should be increased and special arrangements be made at the Wagah border for the visitors coming from India, he said.

Every department should work like a team as “I would visit to review arrangements,” he added. The first phase would continue from Nov 4 to 6 and the second would be held from Nov 11 to 13.

Published in Dawn, November 2nd, 2022