Commissioner Visits DHQ Hospital, Reviews Treatment Arrangements

News Desk

Rawalpindi: Commissioner Laiqat Ali Chatha paid a detailed visit to the District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) on Tuesday to review the load-sharing arrangements due to the closure of Holy Family Hospital (HFH) for revamping.

He inspected various departments of the hospital, including the dengue ward, emergency room, OPD, surgical ward, male and female ward, children’s ward, ICU, blood bank, and medicine room.

Commissioner Chatta also visited the security room of the hospital and reviewed the security arrangements through CCTV cameras. He interacted with the patients and their relatives and inquired about the treatment facilities in the hospital.

The Commissioner added that, as the patient load had increased due to the temporary closures of HFH, no compromise would be made on the provision of the best treatment facilities to the people. In light of the orders of the Punjab government, the treatment facilities were being further improved, he said, and he directed the officials to redress the complaints of the patients immediately.

With its 560 beds and 20 health departments, the DHQ Hospital serves around 3,000 patients daily through its OPD: DHQ MS Dr Farazana

On the occasion, Medical Superintendent DHQ Dr Farzana briefed the commissioner that DHQ was comprised of 560 beds and 20 health departments, while around 3,000 patients daily visit the hospital’s OPD.

She said that the entrance of the hospital and the adjacent shops were being demolished, and the old cafeteria and police post were being shifted there.

The MS said, “We aimed to widen and beautify the entrance of the hospital so that ambulances could have better access to the accident and emergency departments.”

The hospital has upgraded its facilities significantly, incorporating computerized tomography, ultrasonography, electrocardiography, and digital radiography. To enhance emergency services for critical patients, dedicated medical and surgical red zones have been established.

Dr Farzana shared that two trauma rooms are now operational, addressing urgent care needs. Additionally, a new 36-inch sewerage line has been installed, effectively resolving sanitation issues within the facility.

Patient registration counters have been constructed after clearing long-standing junkyards. Various departments such as surgery, orthopaedics, medicine, neurosurgery, outpatient departments (OPDs), and pathology collection points have been relocated from narrow corridors to spacious, well-ventilated areas.

A sterile supply unit has been introduced in a modular operation theatre to ensure efficient sterilisation of equipment and clothing. The hospital’s administration block, labour room, laboratories, and blood bank have been expanded by opening up back corridors, allowing for increased natural light and better ventilation.

Efforts are underway to relocate the mortuary away from the hospital entrance for improved accessibility. Additionally, measures are being taken to ensure an uninterrupted power supply throughout the hospital.