“The Health Department will form search committees to appoint health executive district officers and medical superintendents on the pattern of committees formed to pick vice chancellors and principals of medical colleges,” Adviser to Chief Minister on Health Khawaja Salman Rafique said on Friday.
He was speaking at the concluding ceremony of a workshop on Palliative Care at the University of Health Sciences (UHS). He said the appointment of EDOs and MSs through search committees would help promote transparency.
Rafique said on the implementation of the new service structure for health professionals was being completed. He said the department was improving working conditions for its doctors and other employees. “They should also give their best in return,” he said.
“Health is not a political or religious subject. We don’t need to reach consensus on every point. This is a department where experts’ opinions are more important. They should be consulted on all important subjects.”
The five-day workshop was attended by experts from the USA, Turkey, and Pakistan.
King Edward Medical University Dean of Oncology at and Cancer Care Hospital and Research Centre President Prof Dr Shahryar said palliative care was for anyone with an illness that caused discomfort, anxiety, nausea or other physical or emotional distress.
He said around 160,000 patients were added in the Punjab every year whereas only 590 beds and 55 oncologists were available for these patients.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 7th, 2013.