Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has instructed authorities to complete the construction and renovation of Basic Health Units and Rural Health Centres by March 2025, and major hospitals by June 2025.
During a three-hour meeting on Tuesday to review health initiatives in the province, she made a significant decision to grant special allowances to doctors working in remote health centers and hospitals.
The authorities informed the CM that Phase I of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Care Hospital, costing Rs 46 billion, has started. This hospital will feature cancer care clinics, top-notch facilities, world-class doctors, their residences, solar sheds, parking, and accommodations for patients’ relatives. Maryam Nawaz ordered to increase the number of beds from 100 to 150 in the first phase, with plans to expand to over 280 beds in the second phase.
It was also reported that the supply of medicines is being ensured in all health centers and hospitals in Punjab. The CM reviewed a proposal to set up a specialized hospital for bone marrow transplants and considered starting a free insulin program in Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz directed the immediate construction of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha and reviewed issues related to outsourcing angiography services. She emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of hospitals and instructed the Secretary of Health to assess the facilities available in hospitals compared to the patient load.
She emphasized the need to complete health projects quickly and make the best use of existing infrastructure. She approved a special project to provide artificial limbs for disabled persons and agreed to establish a cancer treatment unit at Qatar Hospital in Bhakkar.
Furthermore, she instructed to make PIC-II Cardiology operational as soon as possible and supported the idea of building a large hospital in Rajanpur.
