Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has introduced a series of initiatives aimed at transforming the healthcare system in the province. In a bid to enhance patient care, she has pledged to increase the annual fund for dialysis patients from Rs 7 lac to Rs 1 million, to be implemented across Punjab.

According to Chief Minister of Punjab, these reforms include the introduction of motorcycle mini clinics, a project for organ implants, and the provision of insulin to type 1 diabetes patients directly at their homes. She emphasized the need for establishing a ‘Help Desk’ in hospitals to guide patients effectively.

Addressing a ceremony for the launch of the “Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic” project, which will see 150 health centers converted into clinics under her name, Ms. Sharif highlighted the critical role of doctors in saving lives and called for their support in ensuring the maintenance and cleanliness of these new clinics. She acknowledged the shortage of nurses and the multifaceted challenges facing the healthcare system, noting that change cannot occur overnight.

Ms. Sharif also pointed out the benefits extended to populations beyond Punjab, including those from Balochistan, KPK, Kashmir, and Afghanistan, who utilize Punjab’s health services amid challenges such as resource scarcity and hospital shortages. She highlighted that 90% of medicines are provided free of cost in Punjab and criticized the pilferage of medicines and the conduct of certain hospital employees.

Efforts are underway to improve major hospitals in Lahore, with more than 7 million people already benefiting from field hospitals. Ms. Sharif reiterated her commitment to delivering cancer medicines to 100,000 people at their doorsteps and announced plans for a new hospital dedicated to cancer treatment.

The Chief Minister emphasized the deployment of advanced medical machinery in Punjab hospitals to align them with international standards. She stated that 1250 basic health centers are being constructed or rehabilitated, with 904 completed, aiming to alleviate congestion in larger hospitals. She urged doctors to act as agents of change, supporting initiatives like the ‘cold chain’ system for insulin delivery and the Children’s Heart Surgery Program, which seeks to address the backlog of critical pediatric surgeries.