News Desk
Lahore, October 15, 2024
The meeting of the Board of Directors of the United Christian Hospital (UCH) convened on 3rd October 2024 at the School of Nursing, UCH, Lahore under the chairmanship of The Rt. Rev. Leo Roderick Paul, Bishop of Multan. The meeting commenced with an opening prayer led by the Chairman, praying God’s guidance and wisdom for the proceedings.
Following the prayer, The Most Rev. Dr. Azad Marshall, Moderator/President Bishop of the Church of Pakistan, shared a devotional reflection from Luke 11:9-16, emphasizing the importance of persistent prayer and seeking God’s will in all decisions.
The business session officially began with a prayer by Rev. Dr. Majid Abel, Executive Secretary PCP, after which the minutes of the previous meeting were presented and unanimously approved by the Board. This set the stage for a series of significant decisions aimed at improving the governance, financial management, and community relations of UCH.
Following are the Key Decisions approved by the Board:
1. Verification of Administrator’s Academic Credentials:
The UCH Board addressed the urgent need for transparency and accountability by asking the current Administrator, Mr. Imran Titus, to present his academic credentials. The Board will forward these academic credentials to the appropriate department through Chairman UCH for verification to ensure the integrity of UCH’s leadership. Upon receiving of the verification from the appropriate department, Board shall decide this issue as per the rules and constitution of the UCH.
2. Financial Audit Review:
In response to UCH’s financial challenges, the Board unanimously resolved that the Audit Reports from previous years will be thoroughly reviewed by the Finance Committee. Should any discrepancies, irregularities, or signs of misappropriation be identified, the Finance Committee will recommend a Forensic Audit, subject to the Board’s approval. This measure aims to ensure financial transparency and accountability within UCH’s operations.
3. Appointment of a Chief Financial Officer (CFO):
Considering the UCH’s financial challenges, the Board recognized the urgent need for professional financial oversight. It was unanimously agreed that a qualified Chief Financial Officer (CFO) would be appointed asap to manage the hospital’s financial operations. The CFO shall report to the Board through Finance Committee. This decision is aimed at strengthening UCH’s financial position and ensuring transparency.
4. UCH Operating Policy Manuals:
In the light of the current circumstances, the Board unanimously decided to review, update, and implement comprehensive Policy Manuals across all key areas of UCH’s operations. This includes policies governing Administration, Finance, Procurement, Human Resources, Legal matters, and more. All previous appointments will be reviewed and all new appointments in future should be as per the policy manuals. The aim is to strengthen operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and establish a clear framework for consistent decision-making across all departments.
5. Joint Ventures for the Development of the UCH:
The Board also passed a resolution allowing interested Christian organizations to propose development proposals for joint ventures to the development of the UCH. All proposals will be submitted within 15 days thorough the Chairman UCH and reviewed and approved by the Board. Only those projects deemed beneficial and aligned with UCH’s objectives, mission and values will be approved. This decision opens avenues for collaboration while ensuring that UCH maintains control over its strategic direction.
6. Formation of a Grievance Committee:
To address internal and external grievances effectively, a four-member committee was established. The committee members include Rev. Dr. Majid Abel, Captain (R) Babar Massey, Advocate Kashif Alexandar, and Mr. Zaheer Abbas. This committee will meet with aggrieved individuals, to understand their concerns, and to propose appropriate solutions, in order to strengthen the collaborative environment within the hospital and community.
The meeting concluded with a prayer led by Rev. Javed Gill, asking for God’s continued guidance and blessings upon the hospital, its staff, and all those involved in the vital mission of UCH.
The decisions taken in this meeting mark an important step towards enhancing UCH’s operational efficiency, financial stability, and community engagement. The UCH Board is committed to carrying out these resolutions with diligence and in a manner that reflects the institution’s Christian values.
