LAHORE, Dec 13: The Lahore General Hospital (LGH) paid on Tuesday a tribute to a deceased nurse, Asma Kanwal, who died of dengue while discharging her duties during outbreak of the epidemic, and demanded of the federal government to award her Tamgha-i-Shujaat for her services, says a handout.

Speaking at a ceremony to remember Ms Kanwal, LGH Principal Prof Dr Tariq Salahuddin said the Punjab government had released Rs1 million compensation for the family of the deceased nurse in recognition of her services. He also gave a cheque worth Rs500,000 to the parents of the deceased.

Prof Tariq said the Punjab government had decided to give an Asma Kanwal Award to a student nurse acquiring first position in second-year exams of LGH nursing school every year.

Kanwal’s parents would be entitled to get lifetime medical facilities at the LGH free of cost, he said.

The common room of LGH nursing hostel had been named after Kanwal while her portraits would also be displayed in every classroom and hostel room a source of inspiration for other students.

He said the LGH remained overstretched during the outbreak of epidemic and provided treatment to a large number of patients. Particularly, the nurses and paramedics of the hospital faced the virus bravely, he said.

Dr Tariq said a daily period at nursing school had been specified during which students would apprise patients and their attendants about dengue virus and preventive measures.

LGH MS Dr Zafar Ikram and Nursing School Principal Ishrat Ishaq also spoke.