Lahore, In a significant move to enhance the healthcare infrastructure in Punjab, Provincial Minister of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Khawaja Salman Rafique convened with a delegation from the German Development Bank at the Directorate General of Health Services office. The meeting focused on strategizing the provision of safe blood to patients across government hospitals in the region. Participants included notable figures such as Professor Dr. Shabnam Bashir, Dr. Zahid, Jawad Mansoor of Green Star, and Dr. Muhammad Imran Bashir, Secretary of the Punjab Blood Transfusion Authority, among other officials.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the assembly witnessed a comprehensive dialogue on the implementation of safe blood supply measures in government healthcare facilities. Dr. Masooma Zaidi and Professor Dr. Shabnam Bashir from the German Development Bank provided insights on the initiative, underscoring the critical need for such measures. Provincial Minister Rafique emphasized the paramount right of patients to access safe blood and highlighted the swift resolution of related issues, including human resources challenges at government blood bank centers, as a priority.

The discussions revealed the German Development Bank’s pivotal role in advancing health and nutrition programs within the province. Rafique directed immediate action against illegal blood banks and affirmed ongoing support from the German Development Bank for the Punjab government’s efforts. Dr. Zaidi expressed a keen interest in reinforcing the partnership with the Punjab government, signaling a follow-up meeting in the forthcoming weeks to assess progress on improving blood bank centers. This collaboration marks a significant step toward bolstering healthcare services in Punjab, ensuring safer treatment options for patients across the province.