Lahore, In a concerted effort to combat tuberculosis (TB), Provincial Minister for Primary and Secondary Health Care Khawaja Imran Nazir spearheaded an awareness walk at the Directorate General Health Services in Lahore, marking the observance of World TB Day. The event saw the participation of prominent health officials, including Director General Health Services Dr. Ilyas Gondal, Director TB Control Dr. Sohail, and others, symbolizing a unified front against the deadly disease.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the awareness initiative underscored the severity of TB and the collective action required to eliminate it. Highlighting the government’s commitment, Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir announced the launch of a courier service, envisioned by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, to deliver TB medicines directly to patients’ homes within a month. This innovative approach aims to ensure that effective treatment reaches those in need, free of charge, as part of the Punjab government’s broader strategy to address public health challenges.

Furthermore, the provincial health minister stressed the ongoing efforts to overhaul the hospital system, a directive from the Chief Minister of Punjab, promising significant improvements in healthcare infrastructure and patient care. Director Health Services Dr. Ilyas Gondal and Director TB Control Dr. Sohail detailed the expansion of treatment facilities and the establishment of TB clinics across primary and rural health centers over the next six months, ensuring accessible TB drugs and testing services at the local level.

This comprehensive approach signifies a robust response to tuberculosis, aiming not only for treatment but also for the eradication of TB and other diseases like hepatitis from the province. The initiative reflects the government’s dedication to public health and its resolve to make Punjab a disease-free region.