TLDR:
Free medicines restored in hospitals
Mobile clinics for rural healthcare
Upgraded health centres across Punjab
LAHORE (The Thursday Times) — Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed concerns over the threat of border infiltrations and the immense challenge of ensuring healthcare for the province’s citizens. She highlighted the restoration of free medicines in government hospitals, upgraded rural health centres, and the launch of mobile health clinics, demonstrating her commitment to improving healthcare accessibility for Punjab’s 150 million residents.
Health clinic launch
Speaking at the launch of a health clinic in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz Sharif lauded her team’s efforts, noting the urgency to address healthcare challenges in Punjab. She admitted the facilities were not up to the desired standards, citing numerous systemic issues, but reaffirmed her determination to bring improvements.
Border threats and healthcare challenges
Maryam Nawaz described the daily challenges of her tenure, including significant security concerns along Punjab’s border regions. However, she underscored that the most pressing issue remains delivering comprehensive healthcare to citizens, a task she finds far from satisfactory despite ongoing efforts.
Free medicines restored after cuts
The Chief Minister pointed out that free medicines, which dropped from 90% availability to 30% during the previous government’s tenure, have now been restored to their original levels. She criticised the prior administration for neglecting cancer treatments and leaving patients desperate, vowing to maintain Shahbaz Sharif’s legacy of free healthcare access.
Accountability for healthcare professionals
Maryam Nawaz called on healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, to prioritise service over personal convenience. She lamented the systemic neglect in government hospitals, highlighting issues like medicine theft and poor patient care. Her administration has stationed officers in key hospitals to ensure proper oversight and accountability.
Introducing health desks and complaint systems
The Chief Minister announced the establishment of health desks and Chief Minister complaint desks in hospitals to address patient grievances effectively. Acknowledging the shortage of medical facilities, she introduced mobile health clinics equipped with labs, X-rays, ECGs, and pharmacies to provide free medicines and on-the-spot treatment to underserved areas.
free home delivery of critical medicines
Maryam Nawaz revealed a new initiative offering free home delivery of medicines for cancer, hepatitis, and heart diseases, with plans to extend this service to insulin soon. She cited her visit to China, where she studied innovative cancer treatment techniques, as a step towards modernising Pakistan’s healthcare system.
State-of-the-art cardiology centres
She highlighted ongoing construction of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha, the first government-run cardiac hospital in the region. Plans for a state-of-the-art cardiology hospital in Lahore are also underway to address the high patient demand in existing facilities.
Upgrading primary health centres
Maryam Nawaz detailed the comprehensive upgrade of 2,500 basic health units across Punjab. Over 1,250 units are set for renovation this month, with significant progress already made on 904 facilities. The province is also expanding dialysis services and has initiated air ambulance transfers, while a children’s heart surgery programme has treated over 700 patients so far.