LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has observed a notable increase in the number of patients attending public hospitals throughout Punjab. Patient attendance at major public tertiary care hospitals has seen a 16 percent rise, with outpatient department (OPD) visits increasing by 21 percent, inpatient department (IPD) admissions by 11 percent, and emergency cases by 9 percent.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the Chief Minister reported that over 45.7 million patients have visited major hospitals in Punjab. Internal Medicine cases have surged by 26 percent, Cardiology cases by 12 percent, and Surgery cases by 10 percent. The report also highlights a 9 percent increase in pediatric and dermatology cases, with ENT cases rising by 7 percent.

Additionally, more than 2.1 million parcels of cancer and cardiac medicines have been distributed to patients. These insights were part of a detailed report on patient attendance and treatment at public hospitals presented during a special meeting of the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.