LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has given his approval for converting Manawan Hospital into the first public sector cancer treatment facility to be established in Lahore, during a recent visit to the hospital.
During the visit, the chief minister personally assessed the designated site for the cancer hospital as well as the existing hospital building. He also examined an adjacent building and has entrusted the task of converting Manawan Hospital into a specialised cancer treatment facility to officials concerned.
The CM underscored the fact that despite a population of 140 million, Punjab currently lacks a state-of-the-art cancer hospital, leaving many residents in dire need of proper cancer care. He stressed the urgent necessity for a high-quality government-operated cancer hospital for the people of Punjab. He also ordered expedited decisions regarding the design and other matters related to the cancer hospital.
Meanwhile, the chief minister chaired a meeting to address the ongoing smog situation in Punjab. In the meeting, it was collectively decided that, due to an improvement in the air quality index, there will be no holiday observed by educational institutions in the province on Wednesday this week.
At the meeting which discussed anti-smog measures and the current smog pattern, the chief minister issued directives to the inspector general of police and the secretary of transport to effectively crack down on vehicles emitting smoke. He also stressed the need for unrelenting action against brick kilns and factories that contribute to smog, with factories emitting excessive smoke and involved in tire burning facing immediate closure.
Mr Naqvi instructed commissioners and deputy commissioners to take strict measures against the burning of crop residues and to act swiftly against those found selling substandard fuel. District administrations were also directed to ensure the continuous watering of roads. Furthermore, for construction activities, it is now mandatory to cover sand and gravel, and regular water sprinkling has been made obligatory.
The chief minister also paid a surprise visit to Central Jail Kot Lakhpat, where he inspected the living conditions of male and female prisoners and engaged with them to better understand their problems.
During the visit, he participated in the ongoing Milad celebration in Barrack No 9, offering prayers alongside the inmates.
The chief minister ordered free eye surgeries for inmates on their request and the establishment of a specialised medical camp within the jail premises to cater to prisoners’ healthcare needs.
He listened to the prisoners' accounts of their cases and responded with decisive action. He directed the IGP, Punjab advocate general, and Lahore CCPO to conduct a personal review of these cases. Particularly moved by the stories of elderly women prisoners, he reassured them that every effort would be made to ensure justice is upheld in their cases.