MULTAN, Oct 31: The district coordination officers have reportedly asked the Health Department to make them its principal procurement officers under the finance rules so that the district governments can buy medicines according to local needs.

Health Department sources told Dawn some of the DCOs had formally requested delegation of powers now resting with the Health Department secretary.

The sources said the DCOs felt the need for delegation to break the impasse in procurement of essential medicines and consumables for the state-run health facilities. They said the department wanted to retain the powers.

GOVRNOR SEEKS REPORT: Punjab Governor Lt-Gen Khalid Maqbool (retired) has reportedly sought a report on the affairs of Dera Ghazi Khan divisional headquarters hospital.

Health Department sources told Dawn the report was sought after a patient at the Bahawal Victoria Hospital complained to the governor about the facilities at the DG Khan hospital.

The patient had had to travel to Bahawalpur for the treatment of a minor injury.

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