RAWALPINDI: The district administration has asked health authorities to improve the conditions of hospitals within a week.

A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema in which a detailed review of the performance of government hospitals, emergency arrangements and special measures taken in Ramazan was taken.

The meeting was briefed on facilities being provided to patients in hospitals, availability of medicines, attendance of doctors and paramedical staff, cleanliness system and functioning of emergency wards.

The deputy commissioner directed that emergency services be kept fully active and alert, so that immediate and effective medical assistance can be provided in any emergency situation. He added that no negligence will be tolerated in the treatment of patients.

The meeting was informed that relatives of patients and deserving people were being provided quality and timely food at Ramazan tables in hospitals during Sehri and Iftar times. Additional Deputy Commissioner General Dr Hasaan Tariq informed the meeting that arrangements of hospitals and Nigehban Dastarkhawans were being monitored regularly and all resources were being utilised to provide maximum convenience to the citizens.

The meeting reiterated the commitment that the district administration will remain active during the holy month to provide relief to the people, provide better medical facilities in hospitals and ensure the effective performance of emergency services.

Meanwhile, a meeting of price magistrates in Rawalpindi was also held at the DC office in which a detailed review of the prices of food items, price checking campaign and ongoing operations against violators was taken.

The deputy commissioner directed that the price lists set by the Punjab government should be implemented at all costs and no shopkeeper should be allowed to charge arbitrary prices.

He said that price magistrates should remain active in the field and ensure checking on a daily basis.

The meeting was informed that thousands of inspections were conducted in the past few days, heavy fines imposed on violators and cases were registered and many shops were sealed. The DC clarified that indiscriminate action will continue against those involved in price gouging, hoarding and not displaying official price lists.

He said the district administration was utilising all resources to provide relief to the people and the price control mechanism will be made more effective. He directed the price magistrates to further improve their performance and submit reports on a daily basis.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2026