Since taking office in February 2024, the Punjab government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has launched an array of ambitious healthcare reforms and initiatives aimed at overhauling the province’s healthcare system. These efforts mark a significant departure from the previous administration’s approach, which heavily favoured private hospitals through a health insurance scheme. This scheme, while lucrative for private entities, left government facilities underfunded and unable to meet the public’s healthcare needs effectively. The new administration has shifted focus towards revitalising public healthcare infrastructure and services, addressing critical issues such as workforce shortages and the lack of essential medicines.
The new administration has shifted focus towards revitalising public healthcare infrastructure and services, addressing critical issues such as workforce shortages and the lack of essential medicines.
Under CM Maryam Nawaz’s guidance and leadership, Punjab’s Minister for Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education, Khawaja Salman Rafique, and the Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare, Khawaja Imran Nazir, are working tirelessly to achieve the health goals outlined in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) manifesto. In the first four months of its inception, the Punjab government has launched various initiatives and defined areas of focus to improve healthcare in Punjab.
Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha
One of the flagship projects is the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology, slated for completion by 2025. This institute, being constructed adjacent to the Faisal Masood Teaching Hospital in Sargodha, will serve the district’s population of 35.5 million, who previously had to travel to other cities for cardiac care. The facility will house 170 beds and offer comprehensive cardiology services, including surgeries.
Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital in Lahore
The government has also initiated the construction of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore. This six-storey, 240-bed facility will be the first government-run cancer hospital in Punjab, equipped with modern treatment facilities and staffed by some of the best cancer specialists worldwide. The project aims to provide state-of-the-art care for cancer patients across all stages of the disease.
Field hospitals and clinics on wheels
To extend healthcare access to rural and underserved areas, the government has launched the field hospitals initiative. These mobile units will deliver healthcare services directly to the communities, ensuring that even the most remote populations receive timely medical attention. These field hospitals will be equipped with an ultrasound room, an x-ray machine, a pharmacy, and a laboratory. Additionally, 200 clinics on wheels are set to be deployed, enhancing the reach of primary healthcare services across Punjab.
Health at Your Doorstep initiative
A groundbreaking project under this initiative is the “Health at Your Doorstep” programme, which aims to deliver medicines directly to patients’ homes. This service targets 200,000 households, providing essential medications for chronic conditions like tuberculosis, hepatitis, and cardiovascular diseases. By eliminating the need for patients to travel to hospitals for their medications, this program significantly improves convenience and adherence to treatment regimens.
Upgradation of health facilities
The government is also undertaking extensive upgrades of existing health infrastructure. This includes the renovation and modernisation of 2,500 Basic Health Units (BHUs) and 300 Rural Health Centers (RHCs) across the province. These upgrades are expected to be completed within the year, vastly improving the quality and availability of healthcare services at the grassroots level.
Air ambulance service
In a bid to enhance emergency medical response capabilities, the Punjab government has allocated Rs 450 million for an air ambulance service. This service will ensure rapid transportation of critically ill patients to specialised medical facilities, potentially saving numerous lives by providing medical intervention timely.
Addressing workforce shortages
Recognising the critical shortage of healthcare professionals, the current administration has prioritised the recruitment of trained medical and paramedical staff. This includes filling existing vacancies and creating new positions to meet the growing demands for healthcare. The government aims to ensure that every district hospital is adequately staffed, which is crucial for delivering high-quality healthcare services.
Recruitment for District Headquarter Hospital, Sargodha
Specific steps include the approval of recruitment for 260 posts at the District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital in Sargodha. This effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance the capabilities of government hospitals in serving the public effectively.
Free medicines at public hospitals
To support the economically disadvantaged, the government has increased budget allocations for free medicines to Rs 55 billion for the provision of free medicines in outpatient departments of public hospitals. This move ensures that low-income families have access to necessary medications without financial burden.
Ensuring the availability of life-saving medicines
The government is also working to end the shortage of life-saving medicines, which rose to critical levels in December last year. By allocating significant funds for the procurement and distribution of essential drugs, the administration aims to ensure that all government hospitals are well-stocked and capable of providing necessary treatments to patients.
Increased health budget
The Punjab government has significantly increased the health budget by 14 per cent, allocating Rs 539.1 billion for the fiscal year 2024-25. This budget includes substantial provisions for free medicines, health insurance, and the development of healthcare infrastructure, reflecting the administration’s commitment to improving public health services.
Other projects for which funds have been earmarked in the budget include the building of cardiology institutes at the Jinnah and Mayo Hospitals in Lahore, a 100-bed Mother and Child Hospital in Murree, reconstruction of the Lady Willingdon Hospital Lahore, and the revamping of the Services Hospital Lahore. The government is also focusing on strengthening the provincial TB programme, Punjab family planning scheme, preventive healthcare, and the screening children for disease scheme for which adequate funds have been allocated.
These efforts not only promise to improve health outcomes but will also restore public trust in the government’s commitment to their well-being. Most importantly, these initiatives will provide the best value for the government’s investment of public funds.
The writer is the Emergency Registrar at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore.
