RAWALPINDI: Absence of doctors, out-of-order air conditioners in the emergency room, over charging in parking stand, non-satisfactory cleanliness of washrooms and wards besides missing facilities for patients and attendants in Benazir Bhutto Hospital (BBH) made Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi reprimand the medical superintendent and hospital administration.

He asked the district administration to form a committee to conduct inquiry into missing facilities in the hospital and asked them to improve its condition as soon as possible. Mr Naqvi inspected medical facilities provided to patients in various wards.

When the chief minister inquired about hospital facilities, patients and their attendants voiced numerous complaints regarding the inadequate treatment facilities provided to them.

During the visit, it was discovered that several air conditioning units in different wards were not functioning properly. Patients were compelled to wait for hours for X-rays, tests and check-ups.

According to a notification, in view of the seriousness of the findings, it was crucial to conduct a thorough inquiry to establish responsibility and to probe into related issues. As per terms of reference, the committee must initiate inquiry promptly and ensure that all necessary evidence, witness testimonies, and relevant documents are thoroughly examined, it added.

Published in Dawn, June 22nd, 2023