Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered a major expansion of healthcare services across the province, including the recruitment of 40,000 doctors and allied health professionals.
The provincial government has already recruited 2,524 doctors, 2,482 women medical officers, 408 consultants and 32 cardiologists. Hospitals have also received 7,572 lady health visitors and 5,048 support staff as part of efforts to improve healthcare services and address staff shortages.
Maryam Nawaz also directed authorities to provide a new CT scan machine in every district. The move is aimed at improving access to diagnostic services and reducing the need for patients to travel to other cities for important medical tests.
The chief minister further ordered the establishment of telemedicine centres for seasonal and common diseases. These centres will allow patients to consult doctors through video calls. Patients will also be able to arrange appointments with relevant hospital wards, laboratories and other healthcare facilities when required.
Another major decision involves the transformation of 300 Maryam Nawaz Hospitals, formerly known as Rural Health Centres, into fully fledged hospitals. The government plans to upgrade these facilities so they can provide a wider range of healthcare services to people in rural and underserved areas.
A monthly “Hospital of the Month” award was also announced to recognise hospitals that demonstrate strong performance. The initiative is intended to encourage better service delivery and improve standards across public hospitals.
The meeting also introduced digital medical boxes for Clinics on Wheels. These systems will allow medical teams to perform several basic diagnostic tests through a single setup. The planned services include ultrasound, blood sugar, complete blood count and ECG tests.
The government will also introduce mobile-linked smart ultrasound devices and cameras to support teleconferencing. These technologies are expected to help medical teams connect with specialists and improve access to healthcare services in areas where specialist doctors may not be readily available.
Maryam Nawaz also ordered the immediate replacement of medical superintendents at four hospitals over what officials described as poor performance and negligence. The decision comes as the provincial government focuses on improving management and accountability in public healthcare facilities.
The chief minister further directed officials to improve cleanliness and parking arrangements at district and tehsil headquarters hospitals. The measures are aimed at improving both medical services and the overall experience of patients and their families.
The healthcare plan combines new recruitment, hospital upgrades, diagnostic equipment and digital health services. The provincial government says the measures are intended to expand access to healthcare and improve service delivery across Punjab.
