In a significant move aimed at improving healthcare for inmates, the hospital within the District Jail in Attock has been officially placed under the administrative control of the Punjab Health Department.
Administrative Shift for Improved Healthcare
Additional Deputy Commissioner General Attock, Anil Saeed, confirmed the development, stating it was carried out under the direct instructions of the Punjab government. He announced that all administrative, medical, and supervisory responsibilities for the jail hospital have now been transferred. These matters will be directly handled by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Health and the relevant Medical Superintendent.
The primary objective behind this administrative change is to ensure the provision of quality and better medical facilities to the prisoners incarcerated at Attock District Jail. ADC Saeed made these remarks while presiding over a meeting of the Prison Welfare Council.
Key Stakeholders Discuss Prisoner Welfare
The meeting saw participation from key officials, including Superintendent of District Jail Attock, Ishtiaq Gul, and District Medical Superintendent, Dr. Irshad Ahmed. Muhammad Tariq, representing the Attock Chamber of Commerce, along with other concerned officers and members, were also present.
Participants were briefed that this step is part of a broader Punjab government policy to bring all jail hospitals across the province under the umbrella of the Health Department. This province-wide initiative is designed to ensure that prisoners have access to the latest health facilities, benefit from better medical supervision, and receive more effective treatment.
With the transfer, the Health Department will now manage the jail hospital's operations directly, a move expected to substantially enhance the quality and efficiency of medical services offered to inmates.
Focus on Comprehensive Prisoner Welfare
During the council meeting, a range of issues concerning inmate welfare were thoroughly discussed. The agenda included topics such as medical treatment protocols, the steady provision of medicines, and other essential facilities for the prisoners.
Jail Superintendent Ishtiaq Gul provided a detailed briefing on the current facilities being offered to the inmates within the jail premises. Following the discussions, Additional Deputy Commissioner General Anil Saeed issued directives to all relevant departments. He instructed them to treat prisoner welfare as a top priority and to implement all necessary steps in a timely and effective manner, in strict adherence to the Punjab government's instructions for providing health and other basic facilities.
