LAHORE: The Lahore High Court on Thursday directed the Punjab Healthcare Commission (PHC) to present the core issues of the sector before the chief minister to ensure the availability of medicines in government hospitals.

Justice Sajid Mahmood Sethi issued the direction hearing a petition filed by Judicial Activism Panel’s chairman Advocate Azhar Siddique for ensuring provision of the medicines at all public hospitals.

The judge instructed the PHC chief executive to meet with the chief minister and propose solutions for the problems in the health sector. He further ordered an immediate activation of the healthcare commission’s board, emphasising that empowering the commission was crucial for bringing reforms to the healthcare sector.

The judge observed that political governments benefit from improvements in the healthcare sector, as public support increases when efforts are made to enhance medical services.

He stressed the need to remove bureaucratic hurdles in the health sector.

The judge also expressed disappointment over the poor state of Jinnah Hospital, and regretted that the hospital lacks even basic facilities like a parking area.

The petitioner’s counsel pointed out that while medical superintendents were frequently suspended, budget allocations were not released and healthcare funds were being diverted elsewhere.

However, the judge cautioned the counsel against making political statements, asserting that the court would not intervene in matters that fall under the government’s jurisdiction.

The judge adjourned the hearing and ordered the implementation of laws regarding the regulation of laboratory test fees.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2025