The Punjab Cabinet, on Friday, decided to undertake a series of significant administrative and healthcare reforms aimed at bringing transparency in government departments and strengthening health services in the state.
Addressing a press conference here, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema said the Cabinet approved the creation of a new authority to oversee the operations of the Mining and Geology Department. He said a GPS system has now been made mandatory to enable real-time tracking of mining activities. The decision, said Cheema, is aimed at curbing illegal mining and bringing administrative reforms.
The Cabinet also decided to amend the Societies Registration Act, 1860 to ease the registration process for societies across the state. Besides, the financial limit in procurement rules has been doubled. The cap has been raised from Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5 lakh to facilitate smoother operations.
New measures have also been approved to bring greater transparency in the functioning of the cooperative department.
Addressing the shortage of medical professionals, the Cabinet decided to empanel 300 private specialist doctors. These doctors will be available "on call" in government hospitals. Under an incentive-based model for private doctors, a fee of Rs 100 has been fixed for each OPD visit. In-service government doctors called for additional duties will also be eligible for payments. Cheema said this move would effectively fill 300 posts of specialist doctors, ensuring better patient care in government health facilities.
Cheema said the government is also focusing on staff retention in border regions. He said a proposal was discussed to provide special incentives to doctors and teachers working in border areas. A comprehensive policy in this regard is expected to be formulated soon, he added.
Also read: Punjab Cabinet clears ex-minister’s prosecution in bribery case
Follow us
