LAHORE, March 25: In a rare move, Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has inducted a couple, doctors by profession, into the provincial cabinet as his advisers.

Dr Javed Asghar, an MRI expert, has been made adviser on health initiative whereas his wife, child specialist Dr Faeza Asghar, will look after children rights.

Their induction was announced after their meeting with the chief minister here on Tuesday.

Dr Javed was a potential candidate for the post of Punjab health minister during the government of Governor Muhammad Safdar. But Dr Mehmood Chaudhry was preferred over him.

According to official sources, Dr Javed Asghar may have more say than sitting Health Minister Dr Tahir Ali Javed as he has been given the task of restructuring the health system in public and private sectors.

During his meeting with the chief minister, Dr Javed Asghar reportedly explained his plan for doing the needful. “He has been given a green signal execute it (the plan) to with full authority,” sources said.

Dr Javed wanted to attach all the 34 district hospitals in the province with teaching hospitals with an aim to ensure specialist services in backward areas.

He also intends to start double shift in all teaching hospitals, upgrade medical colleges syllabi and introduce healthcare information hotline whereby people can seek medical cover at home by phone.

He also wants action against private hospitals and medical colleges operating without any lawful authority.

Officials said the provincial government would soon order implementation of the programme presented by Dr Javed Asghar.

Dr Faeza Asghar would work for rehabilitating disabled children. She would be assisted by the social welfare department and provincial Baitul Maal.

The chief minister asked her to especially rehabilitate children forced to beg on streets and confined to jails.