Lahore: Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has announced the deployment of 444 ‘Clinic on Wheels’ vans across 112 tehsils, featuring ultrasound facilities, aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility. This initiative was discussed during the 6th meeting of the Cabinet Standing Committee on Finance and Development (SCCFD), which also saw approvals for a host of infrastructural and developmental projects, including the establishment of a Punjab Film Fund and several major road constructions.

According to Punjab Portal announcement issued on 11 September 2024, the SCCFD meeting led by CM Sharif was pivotal in pushing forward significant agendas that entail the upgrade and construction of border outposts in Sargodha and DG Khan regions, a motorway interchange at Quaid-e-Azam Business Park Sheikhupura, and a new flyover at Chanda Qila Chowk in Gujranwala. In addition, the Narowal Kartarpur Corridor Scheme and Roads Mega Projects were included in the Annual Development Program for 2024-25.

The committee reviewed the expansion of the carriageway from Mianwali to the CPEC Interchange at Dawood Khel and sanctioned the transformation of three roads to dual carriageways. Furthermore, the SCCFD approved funding for a drainage improvement project in Charar and the construction of a flood protection embankment to shield slums and agricultural areas from erosion.

In a move to enhance emergency pediatric care, the SCCFD approved a Grant-in-Aid for the ChildLife Foundation. It also greenlit the provision of retro-reflective number plates throughout Punjab and endorsed substantial investments in Murree, including the revamping of the local biodiversity park and zoological garden, alongside a comprehensive municipal development plan.

Other approvals included the upgrading of the Special Branch Headquarters, recruitment in the health sector, and financial adjustments to facilitate branchless payments in the Forest Department, ensuring transparency. The session also addressed social welfare issues by approving financial aid for victims of various incidents and medical treatments.

The meeting, attended by senior provincial leaders and officials, underscored the government’s commitment to a broad spectrum of developmental and social initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Punjab’s residents.