RECORDER REPORT

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that best-quality stents are being provided to the patients across the province adding that no compromise will be made over the quality of stents for the patients suffering from cardiac diseases.

“Provision of best treatment facilities to every patient is the responsibility of the Punjab government and this task is being done by the government amicably. It is our commitment to make Punjab an exemplary province with regard to provision of healthcare facilities and every possible step is being taken in the larger interest of patients and the people,” he said while addressing a meeting through a video link, here today.

Shahbaz said the cardiac devices and stents recommended by technical and procurement committee of the health department are procured for all the provincial hospitals at equal price and quality through central rate contract. He said that stents should be provided keeping in view health conditions and interest of the patient. “We have ensured implementation of the policy aimed at providing best medicines, cardiac devices and stents to the patients in public sector hospitals,” he said.

He said that a registry mechanism is being devised in collaboration with Punjab Information Technology Board for stents under trace and track system in the Punjab and all the relevant information will be made available including design of stents, purchase, usage and other relevant data. Through this trace and track system, the usage record of stents will be maintained, he added.

Secretary Health Najam Shah gave a detailed briefing about the quality of stents, types, rates and other issues of stents for the cardiac patients. Minister Health Kh. Salman Rafique, Chief Secretary, Secretary P&D, heads of Cardiac institutes and other officials attended the meeting.