RAWALPINDI, May 22: The Punjab government has released funds for Model Maternal and Child Healthcare Centres (MMCHC) just 40 days before the close of  fiscal year, although the project was approved by the government in June last year.

The project costing Rs27 million was aimed at converting 10 dispensaries into MMCHC.

Fearing that the funds would lapse by end of next month, the CDGR directed the health department to complete the construction work and procurement of machinery within 20 days and convert four dispensaries into model healthcare centres by June 15 and one by July 15. For the rest, it gave August 15 deadline to the city government.

A health department official told Dawn that the provincial government had released the funds last week and the authorities concerned called the tenders for the procurement of machinery and other necessary equipment three days ago.

He said the provincial government had also asked the local health department to submit proposals for hiring the services of 20 female doctors, 20 lady health workers and 20 midwives for the centres.

The CDGR plans to work on the project in three phases, the official said adding four dispensaries would be upgraded in first phase, one in second and five in third phase by August 15.

The dispensaries are located at Dhoke Ratta, Mohanpura, Dhoke Hassu, Dhoke Mangtal, Sarfraz Road, Amarpura, Milat Colony, Akalgarh, Sirajia Park and Talee Mohallah.

Earlier, the upgradation committee for municipal dispensaries met here at District Coordination Officer (DCO) office with committee chairman MPA Shaharyar Riaz in the chair.

District Coordination Officer Saqib Zafar and Executive District Officer (Health) Dr Zafar Iqbal Gondal and other senior officials of t6he city government were also present in the meeting.

The meeting was informed that Rs14.2 million had been provided to the building department for the construction of labour rooms, waiting rooms and repair and maintenance of 10 dispensaries whereas Rs12.5 million had been handed over to district health department for the procurement of machinery including 10 ultrasound machines, 10 ECG machines and other equipment for gynaecology departments.

MPA Shaharyar Riaz informed the meeting that the provincial government had also approved a project to upgrade eight other municipal dispensaries for which the funds would be released next fiscal year. He said the dispensaries would have laboratory facilities.

The District Coordination Officer said the dispensaries that would be upgraded in first phase required minor construction work. He said that the Dhoke Ratta dispensary would be ready by July 15 as it needed only a labour room.

Besides providing healthcare facilities to mother and child, the dispensaries would also offer family planning services, the DCO said and added that LHW and midwives would also be involved in creating awareness of mother and child health issues among the people.

The DCO sought progress report of the upgradation work from district health and building departments on weekly basis to ensure the completion of work at stipulated time frame.