LAHORE – The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday gave four months time to the Punjab government for purchasing 279 ventilators for public sector hospitals.
The three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar passed the orders while hearing a suo motu notice regarding government hospitals’ condition.
At the outset of the proceedings, Provincial Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid appeared before the bench.
https://en.dailypakistan.com.pk/pakistan/sc-dissolves-punjab-healthcare-commission-board-issues-contempt-notice-to-dr-yasmin-rashid/
Responding to a court query regarding delay in purchase of 279 ventilators for the public sector hospitals, she said ex-caretaker health minister Dr Jawwad Sajid did not sign the summary for the purpose, while she could not sign it under PPRA rules. A summary had been moved to the chief minister in that regard.
However, the chief justice expressed annoyance over delay in purchase of ventilators observing that as to why the chief minister should not be summoned and asked to review the pending summaries.
Upon this, Dr Yasmin Rashid assured that the summary would be got approved within a week. The secretary health also apprised the bench about time required for the purchase of ventilators after approval of the summary.
At this, the chief justice gave four months time for purchasing 279 ventilators while seeking a progress report within ten days in this regard.
