LAHORE: Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially opened the doors to the state-of-the-art Dr Fatima Jinnah Institute of Dental Sciences in Jubilee Town, after the project being delayed for 17 years was completed and made operational by the provincial government within one year.
At a grand inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Naqvi unveiled a portrait of Dr Fatima Jinnah in the reception corridor and conducted a thorough tour of the institute, inspecting its cutting-edge facilities, including the online digital system, radiation control room, waiting area, dental implant facilities, sterilized rooms etc.
Expressing profound satisfaction with the world-class treatment facilities, the chief minister announced the deployment of 435 doctors, operating in different shifts at the institute that comprises 120 beds and 90 units.
In his address, Mr Naqvi said the project was initially budgeted at Rs800 million but completed for Rs4.5 billion because of the prolonged delay in its execution.
He lauded the Communication and Works (C&W) Department for playing a pivotal role in the speedy execution of the project, besides highlighting the collaborative spirit of doctors and officials, ensuring the institute's functionality and successful completion.
Out of the 120 beds, 90 are designated for outpatient department (OPD), while the remainder will cater to inpatients. Additionally, a state-of-the-art hostel has been constructed on the institute's premises.
Proudly declaring the Dr Fatima Jinnah Institute of Dental Sciences as the premier institution in Punjab, equipped with the most advanced machinery available in Pakistan, Naqvi pledged further enhancements soon.
Responding to queries, the chief minister said the Manawan Cancer Hospital and Mayo Hospital upgrade projects would also be completed soon. He also expressed optimism about completing the Imamiya Colony project in the first week of February, the Band Road project’s opening for traffic within 5-6 days.
He reassured the public that all matters related to the upcoming election are under control, with continuous communication maintained with the Election Commissioner of Punjab.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Minister Dr Javed Akram, chief secretary, secretaries of health, C&W, information, Lahore commissioner, CCPO, and other officials concerned.
The establishment of the Dr Fatima Jinnah Institute of Dental Sciences also stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of late Dr Talib Ullah (late), President Dr Arif Alvi, and Prof Dr Waheed-ul-Hamid, ex-president of the Pakistan Dental Association (PDA), who currently serves as the principal of the de Montmorency College of Dentistry, Lahore.
