02/01/2025

Provincial Minister for Health, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Inaugurates Minister’s Complaint Cell

Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir, accompanied by Health Secretary Nadia Saquib, officially inaugurated the Minister’s Complaint Cell under the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department. The initiative, launched on the special directive of Maryam Nawaz Sharif, aims to enhance public access to efficient healthcare services and complaint redressal mechanisms. The Complaint Cell provides citizens with a toll-free number, 0332-8609489, to register grievances. Complaints will be forwarded to the relevant district officer, with a resolution ensured within 24 to 48 hours. Speaking at the event, Khawaja Imran Nazir highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare accessibility. Mobile healthcare units, including field hospitals and “Clinics on Wheels,” have been launched, providing medications and treatment to approximately 6.5 million individuals in their homes. Additionally, programs for the distribution of insulin and dialysis cards are now operational. Basic Health Units (BHUs) are being upgraded to operate at full capacity. A total of 150 BHUs are being outsourced and transformed into Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics, staffed by professional doctors to ensure quality healthcare for the public. The minister further announced that over 1,500 doctors are being recruited through the Punjab Public Service Commission to address workforce gaps. Recruitment of allied health professionals and technicians, neglected for the past decade, has also commenced. He assured that cost-saving measures, such as the elimination of unnecessary local purchases, have significantly reduced expenses, while stringent actions are being taken against drug theft with a zero-tolerance policy for offenders. Health Secretary Nadia Saquib emphasized that restructuring efforts will not result in unemployment for existing staff, as personnel will be reassigned to nearby facilities. She reiterated the focus on hiring trained and professional staff to elevate the standard of healthcare services across Punjab. The inauguration was attended by senior officials, including Special Secretary Operations Aoun Abbas Bukhari and Chief Drug Controller Azhar Jamal Saleemi.