LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has given deputy commissioners across the province a three-day deadline to improve conditions at public hospitals, emphasizing the need for better administrative performance and essential public services.
The instructions were issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister to review the performance of deputy commissioners and the delivery of public services in different districts of Punjab.
During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz expressed concern over administrative shortcomings and directed district officials to take immediate steps to improve the situation at government hospitals.
According to the report, deputy commissioners have been given three days to address problems affecting hospital conditions and ensure visible improvements.
The chief minister emphasized that district administrations must take their responsibilities seriously and work toward providing better services to citizens.
She also expressed dissatisfaction with negligence among administrative officials, stating that the poor performance of deputy commissioners affects her reputation and the government’s public image.
Maryam Nawaz made it clear that district officials are responsible for ensuring that government instructions are properly implemented and that public concerns receive appropriate attention.
Apart from healthcare facilities, the meeting also focused on environmental protection and the improvement of basic municipal services.
The chief minister directed authorities to ensure complete control over the burning of crop residue across Punjab.
Crop residue burning is considered one of the contributors to air pollution and seasonal smog, particularly during the colder months when pollution levels can become a serious public health concern.
Maryam Nawaz instructed deputy commissioners to take effective measures to prevent such activities and ensure full compliance with the government’s directions.
The meeting also addressed problems involving streetlights and manholes in different parts of the province.
The chief minister ordered officials to ensure that streetlights are fully functional and that manholes are properly maintained and made safe for the public.
Poorly maintained streetlights can create difficulties for motorists and pedestrians, especially at night, while uncovered or damaged manholes can pose serious safety risks.
The instructions highlight the provincial government’s focus on improving healthcare facilities, environmental management and essential urban infrastructure.
Maryam Nawaz also stressed the importance of accountability and effective administration, warning that negligence by district officials can negatively affect public confidence in government institutions.
The three-day deadline for hospital improvements places responsibility on deputy commissioners to address the issues identified in their respective districts within the specified period.
However, the supplied report does not specify what disciplinary action, if any, will be taken against officials who fail to meet the deadline.
The chief minister’s directives are expected to increase administrative attention toward hospital conditions and municipal services throughout Punjab.
The effectiveness of these measures will depend on how quickly district administrations implement the instructions and whether the improvements are sustained beyond the initial deadline.
For now, deputy commissioners have been directed to prioritize hospital conditions, prevent crop residue burning and ensure the proper functioning of streetlights and manholes across their jurisdictions.