LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has given the green light to the establishment of multiple specialized healthcare facilities under the Nawaz Sharif Medical District project. These include the Institute of Surgical Orthopaedic and Medical Rehabilitation and Children’s Hospital-IV.
According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the project encompasses the construction of a Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and Burn Centre, an Institute of Genetic and Blood Diseases, a Centre of Excellence for Nursing and Midwifery, an Institute of Ophthalmology, and an Infectious Diseases Hospital. The plan outlines the development of seven major hospitals with a total bed capacity of 1,519 in the Nawaz Sharif Medical City.
The approvals were granted during a special meeting led by Ms. Nawaz to evaluate public-private partnership (PPP) projects throughout the province. The chief minister expressed satisfaction over the operational status of the Punjab Public-Private Partnership Authority after 19 years and acknowledged the contributions of Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Finance Secretary Mujahid Sherdil, and Punjab Public-Private Partnership Authority CEO Dr. Zeeshan Hanif.
The meeting also explored the feasibility of public-private partnerships in 110 proposed development projects across Punjab, including a proposal for student hostels under the PPP model for the first time in the province. Infrastructure projects such as roads, trucking terminals, bus stands, model bazaars, and food streets were reviewed as well.
Participants were informed that four projects under the PPP framework are now operational, with feasibility studies for 27 additional projects completed and further developments advancing rapidly. Key initiatives under the PPP plan include an FMD production plant, the Time Travel Park Lahore project, shrimp farming, and the Mines-to-Metal Chiniot project.
CM Punjab emphasized the ongoing commitment to development in Punjab, highlighting the role of the PPP model in engaging the private sector in provincial advancement. She reiterated her commitment to seeing these development projects through to completion.