TAXILA: Punjab Minister for Health and Population Department Khawaja Imran Nazir said that a cath lab would soon be established at the Government Asfandyar Bukhari District Hospital Attock, which would offer angiography, angioplasty and other essential cardiac care services in the remote areas of the district.

He was talking to newsmen at the hospital on Tuesday. Deputy Commissioner Attock Rao Atif Raza, Chief Executive Officer of District Health Authority Dr Asad Ismail, Medical Superintendent of the hospital Dr Jawad Elahi, District Health Officer Dr Kashif Hussain and other officials were also present.

The minister said the shortage of doctors, paramedics and other essential resources at the hospital will be addressed.

The Coronary Care Unit (CCU) will also be made fully functional in the near future. He said the Punjab government was committed to revolutionary changes in the health sector.

He added that providing quality healthcare facilities in remote areas was the top priority of the government.

He added that ‘Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics’ are a major source of providing the best basic healthcare facilities to the people at their doorsteps in rural areas.

Responding to a question, he said that his visit was part of the provincial government’s broader initiative to enhance healthcare services and governance under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He added that the ongoing upgrade of health facilities across Punjab aims to ensure the availability of comprehensive medical services at all levels.

During his interaction with the public, patients and their attendants raised concerns regarding the non-availability of medicines and the unprofessional behaviour of some hospital staff. Taking note of the complaints, the health minister directed the DC Attock and the MS to take immediate action to resolve the issues.

The minister also reviewed administrative affairs at the DHQ hospital and expressed dissatisfaction over non-payment of salaries to the hospital’s sanitation workers.

He ordered relevant authorities to ensure timely disbursement of salaries and improve the overall hospital environment.

Earlier, the minister paid a visit to the District Headquarters (DHQ) Hospital Attock, where he inspected various sections of the facility, including the OPD, emergency department, CCU and Thalassemia Centre. Later, the minister also visited the Thalassemia Centre and the newly-constructed General Hospital.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2025