Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho has announced a smoking ban in hospitals to help prevent fire incidents and improve safety. She said the government would take steps to ensure hospitals remain safer for patients, staff and visitors.
Speaking at a press briefing in Karachi, Pechuho also discussed several ongoing healthcare projects across the province. She said recruitment had been approved for Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre and the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases.
The minister said the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation had been expanded and a children’s ward had been established. She added that a new outpatient department block had been developed at NICVD, while vascular surgery had started at the Trauma Centre.
She said a hybrid operating theatre had also been established at the Trauma Centre. Work is also underway to improve the Infectious Diseases Hospital at NIPA Chowrangi and strengthen ambulance emergency services across the province.
Pechuho said diagnostic laboratory facilities were also being expanded. She added that the master plan for Civil Hospital had been completed, while construction of its medical block had already started this year. The radiology system is also planned to be outsourced.
The health minister expressed concern over the recent deaths of children at PIMS Hospital in Islamabad. She said older hospitals were being surveyed, while electrical lines and circuit breakers were being replaced to reduce fire risks.
She said fire extinguishing equipment was already available at hospitals and regular fire drills would be conducted. The planned smoking ban in hospitals will also apply across hospital premises, according to the minister. She said the measure could help prevent fires and strengthen overall safety in healthcare facilities.
