MARDAN: Commissioner Mardan Division Syed Muhammad Ali Shah has directed health authorities to improve cleanliness, medical facilities and administrative arrangements in hospitals across Mardan and Swabi within 10 days, warning that negligence and violations of official duties will not be tolerated.
The directives were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the commissioner to review healthcare facilities and administrative matters across Mardan Division. The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Mardan Shah Saud, Deputy Commissioner Swabi Nasrullah Khan, additional deputy commissioners, hospital directors, district health officers (DHOs) and other relevant officials.
During the meeting, the commissioner received a detailed briefing on the availability of medical facilities, hospital cleanliness, staff attendance, administrative arrangements and other related matters.
Addressing the participants, Syed Muhammad Ali Shah directed officials to ensure that all non-functional medical units were made operational and that healthcare facilities across both districts were improved within the stipulated 10-day period.
He stressed the need for effective hospital administration and punctuality among medical staff, directing authorities to ensure that all employees performed their official duties honestly and diligently during government working hours. He warned that private practice during official hours and negligence in duty would not be tolerated, adding that legal action would be taken against violators.
The commissioner announced that he would personally conduct surprise visits to hospitals to assess cleanliness, medical facilities, staff attendance and administrative performance. He directed authorities to encourage employees demonstrating good performance while taking strict action against those found negligent.
Officials were also instructed to submit weekly reports detailing hospital performance and the status of healthcare facilities.
BHUs And Essential Healthcare Services
The commissioner directed authorities to make all Basic Health Units (BHUs) in Mardan and Swabi fully functional and ensure the availability of essential medical facilities for the public.
He emphasised that difficulties faced by patients must be addressed promptly and that hospitals must maintain proper cleanliness while providing quality healthcare services.
Crackdown On Substandard Medicines And Illegal Facilities
Reviewing medicine quality and availability, Syed Muhammad Ali Shah instructed drug inspectors to strengthen monitoring and conduct regular inspections to prevent the sale and use of substandard medicines.
He warned that those endangering public health would face strict legal action without leniency.
The commissioner also directed Healthcare Commission officials to conduct daily inspections, take action against illegal operators in the health sector and initiate legal proceedings against substandard and unregistered laboratories.
He stressed that healthcare facilities must comply with prescribed standards, protect patients’ rights and ensure the delivery of quality medical services.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment, the commissioner said providing the people of Mardan Division with the best possible healthcare facilities remained a top priority. He called on all relevant departments to fulfil their responsibilities and implement practical measures to improve the healthcare system.