Chief justice says Punjab govt spending millions on publicity

LAHORE: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Saturday deplored the dismal condition of public sector hospitals in the provincial capital and warned the Punjab government of halting development projects, if no initiative is taken to improve healthcare and educational facilities.

Headed by the chief justice, a three-member bench was hearing a suo motu case pertaining to the condition of government hospitals in the provincial capital at the apex court’s Lahore registry.

At the outset, the medical superintendents of various hospitals appeared before the bench in response to its notice.

CJP Nisar expressed dissatisfaction over the condition of government hospitals and directed them to submit comprehensive reports along with affidavits in this regard.

He clarified that the apex court’s taking notice of the situation of public sector hospitals was aimed at ensuring improvement in healthcare facilities, not taking action against them.

In a reference to the provincial government’s costly advertisements showcasing its performance, the chief justice said the government should provide medicines instead of spending on advertisements.

He remarked the Punjab government was spending millions of rupees on advertisements.

While addressing the chief secretary, CJP Nisar said it was their responsibility to provide best possible healthcare.

If no work was done in the health and education fields, other projects, including Orange Line Metro Train project, would be halted, he warned.