Category: Lahore

Lahore: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has announced plans to extend the queue management system to all tertiary care hospitals in the province.

While currently operational in 16 out of 58 hospitals with the assistance of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), the system will now be introduced in the remaining hospitals to enhance patient management and reduce waiting times.

Chairing a meeting with commissioners and deputy commissioners (DCs) at the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department on Saturday, the minister emphasized the importance of feedback from district authorities to improve healthcare facilities. The meeting was held on the instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif as part of the government's broader initiative to strengthen the health sector.

Khawaja Salman Rafique highlighted that under CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif's leadership, significant developments are taking place in healthcare. Among them is the construction of Asia's largest Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore, alongside the establishment of Nawaz Sharif Institutes of Cardiology in Lahore and Sargodha. Additionally, flagship healthcare programs such as the Chief Minister's Children's Heart Surgery Program, Chief Minister's Dialysis Program, and the Chief Minister's Special Initiative for Transplant Program are being introduced to improve medical services for the public.

The minister reaffirmed that cleanliness in government hospitals is a priority and that duty rosters will be displayed to ensure accountability among healthcare staff. He also announced that the Punjab government is allocating additional funds beyond the regular budget for the uninterrupted supply of medicines in hospitals. Moreover, strict licensing and hygiene protocols for blood banks are being implemented, while infection control measures are being strengthened across all government hospitals.

To modernize hospital services, the Punjab government has introduced E-tendering for parking and cafeteria contracts. In a major initiative, medicines are now being delivered to patients' homes through Pakistan Post from seven cardiac hospitals and five cancer hospitals. The Punjab Healthcare Commission has been directed to conduct regular inspections of hospitals, and commissioners and DCs will play a crucial role in assessing hospital performance and suggesting improvements.

Khawaja Salman Rafique reiterated that ensuring quality healthcare services remains a top priority for the Punjab government. He emphasized that the collective efforts of all stakeholders are essential to achieving a robust and efficient healthcare system for the people of Punjab.

During the meeting, Secretary Health Punjab Azmat Mahmood, Special Secretaries Tariq Mahmood Rahmani and Zeeshan Shabbir Rana, and other senior officials from the health department and Punjab Healthcare Commission discussed budgetary allocations and other administrative matters. Commissioners and DCs attended via video link and shared their suggestions to further enhance healthcare services.

Lahore: Under Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's Jail Reforms Agenda, significant progress has been made in rehabilitating prisoners by integrating them into jail industries.

The Punjab Home Department has announced that prisoners working in various jail industries have started receiving wages, enabling them to support their families while serving their sentences.

Punjab Home Department's spokesperson told media on Saturday that in a notable development, inmates at District Jail Shahpur received wages before Eid for producing Nooroozi sandals, a popular traditional footwear. These handcrafted sandals are now being sold in the market, and the earnings are directly deposited into the prisoners' personal accounts.

He stated that prisoners are being trained under the supervision of experts, ensuring that their products meet high standards of quality, durability, and craftsmanship. He added that providing vocational training and employment opportunities to inmates paves the way for their reintegration into society as productive citizens after their release.

Additionally, the Gujranwala Chamber of Commerce and Industry is assisting in the sale, customer service, and delivery of products made by prisoners. Across Punjab, inmates are engaged in manufacturing furniture, carpets, handicrafts, utensils, paper, tiles, phenyl, perfumes, soap, LED bulbs, tissue paper, footballs, and more.

Furthermore, prisoners are receiving vocational training in fields such as motor mechanics, barbering, cooking, beauty services, and IT to enhance their employability after release.

The spokesperson said that the jail industry and skilled prisoner programs stand as a model of successful prison reforms, aiming to empower inmates with dignity, self-sufficiency, and a brighter future.

Lahore: The Pakistan Railways has announced a special Eid-ul-Fitr gift for passengers by offering a 20 percent discount on train fares.

The initiative aims to facilitate travelers and promote rail travel during the festive season.

According to an official notification issued on Saturday,the discounted fares will be applicable on all mail,express and intercity trains for the first three days of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Passengers making advance bookings will also be eligible for the reduced fares.However,the discount will not apply to Eid Special Trains.

The Pakistan Railways has directed all booking offices to strictly implement the fare reduction to ensure passengers benefit from the offer.

The initiative was expected to provide financial relief and convenience to those traveling to their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their families.

Lahore: Lahore Divisional Commissioner Zaid bin Maqsood reviewed the security arrangements and final stages of the Youm-e-Ali central procession from the District Administration's Central Control Room, here on Saturday.

He also monitored the security setup from the Metro Station bridge. The central procession, which began from Mubarak Haveli, followed its traditional route and concluded peacefully at Karbala Gamay Shah.

The Commissioner commended the district administration, Lahore police, and religious scholars for ensuring a peaceful and well-organized event. He emphasized that foolproof security arrangements were implemented by the district administration and police, with officials working tirelessly to fulfill their duties.

Lahore: The Punjab Energy Department organised a 'Plant for Pakistan' event here on Saturday to help combat climate change and restore Lahore's historic identity as the 'City of Gardens'.

The plantation event, held at the Gujjar Colony Lahore Biogas Plant site, was attended by a large number of officers and employees. Energy Secretary Dr Naeem Rauf inaugurated the event by planting a sapling, symbolising the department's commitment to environmental sustainability.

The initiative aligns with the broader provincial efforts to promote forest conservation and food security. This year, the Energy Department has set a target of planting over 15,000 saplings. Since February, more than 4,500 saplings have already been planted as part of this campaign leading up to World Forest Day.

Expressing his views, Secretary Dr Naeem Rauf stressed the need for collective efforts to restore Lahore's status as the 'City of Gardens' and combat smog. He highlighted that forests play a crucial role in mitigating the destructive effects of climate change.

The plantation campaign, which began on March 21, will continue till the target was achieved. He urged every citizen to take responsibility by planting at least one sapling to ensure a greener and cleaner environment for future generations.

Lahore: In connection with Youm-e-Shahadat-e-Ali (RA) observance, stringent security arrangements have been made by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority.

According to details, surveillance of Youm-e-Ali (RA) processions is being carried out through modern artificial intelligence-based cameras in the Safe City. The monitoring of all routes of Majalis and Azadari processions is ensured through Safe City cameras. Virtual patrolling officers and technical teams at the Safe City Headquarters are performing 24-hour duties.

Spokesperson for the Safe Cities Authority said that the monitoring of routes was also ongoing through Safe City cameras installed on PRU vehicles. Representatives of law enforcement agencies, including Lahore Police, are present at the Safe City Center. Real-time traffic route updates are being provided through Radio Safe City FM 88.6. Citizens are urged to immediately report any suspicious activities to the emergency helpline 15.