PESHAWAR, Jan 19: NWFP Health Minister Inayatullah Khan has said granting complete autonomy to teaching hospitals is necessary for bringing about a change in the health system and ensuring better delivery of services. This, he said, while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the newly-renovated Post Graduate Medical Institute (PGMI) Auditorium at Lady Reading Hospital (LRH) on Thursday.

“Decentralisation of power is must for quick decision making and its effective implementation,” he said.

The minister disclosed that a team of consultants had completed evaluation of the hospitals’ autonomy and the report would be thoroughly debated next month. “Some pleasant and unpleasant decisions are necessary to make the hospitals’ autonomy efficient,” he said.

Referring to the grievance of Trainee Medical Officers (TMOs), he said that enhancement in their stipend as well as provision of accommodation facilities had been formally notified by the department.

He elaborated that efforts were underway to bring more reforms to facilitate trainee specialist doctors.

“TMOs’ seats have already been increased from 270 to 425 while a plan was on card to accommodate all successful FCPS Part-I students,” he assured.

The minister also directed the authorities of LRH to take steps for improvement of casualty unit and proper management of car parking in the hospital.

Prof Arshad Javed, Dean, PGMI, highlighted details of the project. He said the auditorium renovated at a cost of Rs3 million will provide latest facilities for research and academic purposes.

Chief Executive LRH Dr Abdus Samad, Chief Executive Hayatabad Medical Complex Dr Shad Mohammad Khan and other senior doctors were also present on the occasion.