LAHORE, Oct 30 (APP):Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that 100 per cent transparency is being ensured in the financial affairs of medical universities across the province, while modern research is also being promoted in medical institutions.
He expressed these views while chairing the 20th Syndicate meeting of Rawalpindi Medical University at the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department here on Friday.
The meeting approved an annual budget of Rs6.75 billion for Rawalpindi Medical University and its affiliated hospitals for the fiscal year 2026-27. It also approved a PLA budget estimate of Rs338.7 million and an HEC budget estimate of Rs59.6 million for the same financial year.
The Syndicate approved the estimated and revised budgets of the university and its affiliated hospitals for 2025-26, along with revised budget estimates in accordance with the Higher Education Commission’s requirements.
It also sanctioned more than Rs688.8 million to clear outstanding liabilities of the university and its affiliated hospitals for 2025-26, including Rs586.8 million for Rawalpindi Teaching Hospital.
Furthermore, Rs196.1 million was approved for the improvement and restoration of the sewerage system at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, while Rs29.3 million was sanctioned for payment to the National Institute of Health for vaccine procurement. Another Rs38.6 million was approved for the settlement of contingency bills.
The meeting also reviewed the implementation report of the 19th Syndicate meeting and approved various agenda items, including the nomination of new members to the university’s Selection Board and Board of Advanced Studies and Research. The Undergraduate Attendance Policy 2027 was also approved.
Parliamentary Secretary and Syndicate member Ziaullah Shah attended the meeting.
Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial government was taking steps to provide better healthcare facilities to the public. A network of new hospitals was being established across Punjab, while Institutes of Emergency Medicine would also be set up in all universities across the province.
Director (Budget and Accounts) Hammad-ur-Rab and Deputy Secretary (Medical Education) Osama Javed were also present.
Vice-Chancellor of Rawalpindi Medical University Professor Major General (retd) Sohail Amin and Syndicate members Dr Nasir Jamal, General (retd) Aslam, Dr Seemi Gul and Syed Tahir Shahbaz participated in the meeting through video link.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
