CM's Surprise Inspection of PHQ Hospital

Gilgit: Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Amjad Hussain on Monday ordered the suspension of three hospital officials, disciplinary action against five nurses and registration of an FIR against a contractor during a surprise visit to PHQ Hospital in Gilgit, expressing strong displeasure over what he described as widespread mismanagement in patient care.

During the inspection, the chief minister reprimanded the hospital administration over 'poor arrangements' in the labour block, absence of staff and failure to display attendance rosters.

He ordered the suspension of the Head of Department (HOD) and Deputy Medical Superintendent (DMS), along with the hospital's store in-charge, over 'administrative failures' and complaints about the non-availability of essential laboratory tests.

He also ordered the suspension of five nurses who had failed to report to the Child Ward despite official instructions. Their salaries were ordered to be withheld pending an inquiry.

Taking notice of complaints of the supply of a substandard dental machine, Amjad Hussain directed the authorities to register an FIR against the concerned contractor.

He also took serious notice of patients' complaints about the provision of substandard medicines under the Sehat Sahulat Card programme and the closure of the relevant medical store.

 The chief minister directed the health secretary to initiate the process of blacklisting the contractor and ordered an inquiry through the Chief Minister's Inspection Team (CMIT).

The chief minister further directed the authorities to withdraw all attachments and additional assignments of operation theatre technicians and ensure that they perform their duties in the operation theatre.

To improve hospital management, he ordered the introduction of an online attendance system for doctors and other staff, improvement of ward conditions and digitalisation of hospital operations to end difficulties caused by the manual system.

He also directed the authorities to complete the procurement of ventilators for children within the stipulated timeframe and ensure their availability at the hospital. He ordered the immediate shifting of the children's emergency unit to the Child Block.

Taking notice of long queues at the gynaecology outpatient department (OPD), the chief minister directed the deployment of additional staff to reduce patients' waiting time. He also ordered the installation of an additional ultrasound machine to improve diagnostic facilities.