Lahore, February 04, 2022 (PPI-OT):Punjab will introduce global best practices to modernize the health system as Health Minister Dr. Yasmin Rashid reviewed suggestions from the officials who returned from Turkey after closely studying their health system here on Thursday.
Present in the meeting were Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department and Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, Special Secretaries Mohammad Ajmal Bhatti and Ms. Saleha Saeed, Dr. Asif Tufail, Additional Secretary Drug Control Dr. Sohail, Ahmer, Khalid Sharif, Professor Javed Chaudhry and other officials.
The Health Minister reviewed proposals on digitalization of medicine procurement as well as integration of health MIS systems. Special Secretary Ajmal Bhatti and Additional Secretary Dr. Sohail gave briefing to the Minister. Special Secretary Ajmal Bhatti and Ahmer Khan gave a complete report on best practices in the Turkish healthcare system.
The Health Minister said, “We have decided to amend the existing law on sale of medicines on prescription. Complete digitalization is the only way to stop over-the-counter sale of medicine. We need to digitalize the entire system of medicine procurement. This will help make the system transparent. We will hold a seminar next week to take on board all stakeholders.
Compliance with existing laws on medicine sale, purchase, stock as well as G Schedule have to be enforced in letter and spirit. Digitalization of the system shall be a step in the right direction to ensure compliance with rules. Those selling medicines without prescription must be penalized. Pharmacists have to be present at their respective pharmacies.
There is no shortage of Panadol in Punjab and its availability is being ensured at all points. A new PC-1 shall be prepared for the digitalization of the healthcare system. Availability of data gives true indication about the performance of a health facility. A project is evaluated based on the data analysis.
A Digital Health Infrastructure Authority is being set up to modernize the health MIS system in Punjab. The data of the public and private sector will be consolidated through digital platforms for enhanced services through Naya Pakistan Qomi Sehat Sahulat Program. We are learning and adopting best practices from Turkey.
For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-9201390-86
Website: www.punjab.gov.pk