RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday inaugurated the upgradation project of Cantonment General Hospital Rawalpindi.
Minister for Railways Sheikh Rashid was also present on the occasion.
The prime minister visited different sections of the hospital and reviewed the facilities there. On the occasion, he was briefed about the hospital’s upgradation.
Upgradation and renovation of the hospital is an important step of present government in order to provide better healthcare services to the residents of Rawalpindi and adjacent areas.
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While addressing the media following the inauguration, PM Imran said health sector had been neglected in the past in the country. “Our public hospitals until 70s had good standard and our medical colleges had internationally recognized degrees,” he said adding that gradually we started spending per capita less on our health sector, hence we were left behind.
Viewing all this situation, he said, the government had started preparation for the upcoming coronavirus crisis since Jan 15 this year. “Unfortunately, demand for health equipments and protective gears soared all over the world suddenly which made it very difficult for us to increase our capacity,” he said.
However, Imran said, it was Pakistan’s good luck that China had given it priority in providing assistance against coronavirus.
PM Imran Khan assured doctors, nurses and other medical and paramedical staff for providing all the incentives the government could do. He said the rate of infections and fatalities was extremely low in Pakistan as compared to other countries. He said protection of medical staff would be Pakistan’s first priority.
