Health, education govt’s top priority: PM
LAHORE, July 26 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said on Tuesday that health and education sectors were top priority of the government. He was addressing the cheque awarding ceremony here at State Guest House to the Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, a joint venture of the federal and Punjab governments in Jinnah Hospital. He said the government was supporting the health and education sectors even after their devolution under the 18th amendment.
He said the federal government was contributing a lot in these sectors in the shape of several projects like the construction of liver transplant centres in Lahore and Islamabad.
The premier said that during his private visit to the United Kingdom, he had persuaded several organisations to invest in the education sector in Pakistan and agreements of over 650 million pounds had been signed due to which as many as 4 million children would get benefit.
An education conference would soon be organised in Islamabad where chief ministers of all provinces would be invited to brief them about the contribution of the government in education sector, he added.
He stated that members of Friends of Pakistan would also be invited to visit the country to see the work done for the promotion of education.
Later, the PM presented a cheque amounting to Rs 350 million to Dr Javaid Akram, principal Jinnah Hospital from the Pakistan Baitul Maal.
Earlier, briefing about the Burn and Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Dr Javaid said that it would be the largest burn centre in Asia with 125 beds facility.
He said that a helipad would also be constructed for quick rescue operation while a special lab for the reconstruction of human body parts with the help of stem cell technology would also be the feature of the centre.
First lady Fouzia Gilani, PM’s daughter Fizza Gilani, Federal Information Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, SNGPL Chairman Mian Misbah Ur rehman, PPP Women Wing Punjab President Belum Husnain and MD Pakistan Baitulmaal Zamurd Khan were also present.