LAHORE, Jan 27: The Punjab government has declared high alert in all public sector hospitals. According to a notification issued here on Saturday, the measure has been taken in the wake of prevailing security situation in the country. “The provincial government has desired to make all necessary arrangements to combat any untoward situation, especially during Ashura,” it said.

On the government’s direction, all major hospitals reportedly have cancelled the leaves of their doctors, nurses and other paramedical staff. All the pharmacists of hospitals have been asked to ensure availability of essential medicines and surgical disposables. The blood bank would also ensure availability of sufficient blood of all groups.

Psychiatry: A one-year certificate course in psychiatry for family physicians will begin on Feb 15 at Fountain House.

The World Psychiatric Association will organize the course in collaboration with the Pakistan Academy of Family Physicians and South Asian Forum, Pakistan Chapter.