LAHORE, Feb 4: Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool has expressed concern over the increase in the kidnapping for ransom cases in the province.

He was talking to newsmen after the inauguration ceremony of a trauma centre at the Services Hospital here on Monday.

He said though all abduction cases reported so far had been solved, the increase in such incidences was alarming.

Citing the example of the suspended Gulberg police station staff, he said he would not tolerate irresponsible and illegal treatment of common people at the hands of the police. He also sounded a warning to the police officials to mend their ways.

The governor said that the Lahore district government had been authorized to take a decision about setting up a school at the district courts building.

About the fate of the health secretary’s brother, he said the matter was with the court and everything would be done according to the law.

The governor smiled when asked whether the health secretary should resign over the scandal. Health Secretary Hassan Waseem Afzal parried the question.

Earlier, the governor congratulated the hospital management for opening up the 140-bed trauma centre.

He visited many wards of the hospital and inquired after the patients. He asked the doctors to focus on poor patients.

Many doctors also complained about non-payment of salaries and stipend. The governor later announced payment of training stipend for the FCPS part-II candidates working in the Services Hospital.

The governor said the new health policy would ensure the doctors’ stay in the country. He said the government was giving top priority to the health sector and steps had already been taken in this regard.

He said there was a need to organize private practice.

The governor also distributed shields, certificates and cash prizes among doctors, nurses, paramedical staff and other workers.