By Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has intensified her efforts to improve child healthcare in Punjab, Pakistan. In a series of recent initiatives, she has approved a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at upgrading the health department, with a particular focus on maternal and child health. These efforts include the establishment of new healthcare facilities, the provision of free medicines, and the deployment of mobile health units to underserved areas. This proactive approach underscores her commitment to enhancing healthcare services for children and mothers across the province.
Comprehensive Healthcare Reforms
Maryam Nawaz has approved a phase-wise reform plan for the healthcare system in Punjab. This plan includes the upgradation of existing health facilities and the construction of new ones. The Chief Minister has emphasized the importance of ensuring that all hospitals are well-equipped with necessary medical staff, medicines, and equipment. She has also directed the formation of a Health Advisory Council to ensure transparency and effective management of the healthcare system. This council will include government officials, healthcare professionals, and public representatives.
In addition to structural reforms, the plan also focuses on improving the quality of care provided at Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs). The Chief Minister has called for uniformity in the design of these facilities and has approved the immediate provision of free medicines to patients. Mobile health units will be deployed to suburban and rural areas to provide healthcare services to those who have limited access to medical facilities. This initiative aims to bring healthcare services to the doorsteps of people in remote areas.
The Chief Minister has also prioritized the establishment of specialized medical centers for the treatment of heart diseases, cancer, and other critical illnesses. These centers will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and will provide high-quality care to patients. The plan also includes a pilot project in Lahore to provide health facilities at the doorstep of residents, which, if successful, will be expanded to other districts.
Inauguration of Daycare Centers
As part of her efforts to improve child healthcare, Maryam Nawaz recently inaugurated a daycare center at the Children’s Hospital in Lahore. This center is designed to provide quality care and support to children while their parents are at work. The Chief Minister has also directed the construction of a new ICU unit at the hospital and has ensured the timely release of funds for its completion. This initiative is part of a broader plan to build the best hospitals in every district of Punjab.
The daycare center is equipped with modern facilities and staffed by trained professionals who are dedicated to providing the best care for children. The Chief Minister has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of healthcare facilities. She has directed provincial ministers to visit hospitals regularly to ensure that they are functioning efficiently and providing high-quality care to patients.
In addition to the daycare center, the Chief Minister has also reviewed proposals for the construction of children’s hospitals at divisional headquarters. These hospitals will be linked with the Children’s Hospital in Lahore to ensure that children across the province have access to specialized care. The Chief Minister has also signed an MoU with Islamic Aid UK for the establishment of a college block at the University of Child Health Sciences, which will provide education and research facilities related to children’s health.
Future Plans and Initiatives
Looking ahead, Maryam Nawaz has outlined several future initiatives aimed at further improving child healthcare in Punjab. One of the key initiatives is the establishment of a special hospital dedicated to providing the best cancer treatment facilities to poor patients. This hospital will be equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by highly trained professionals. The Chief Minister has also called for increased public awareness and health screening programs to prevent and detect diseases at an early stage.
Another important initiative is the deployment of mobile health units to remote areas. These units will be staffed by medical officers, LHVs, dispensers, and other healthcare professionals, and will be equipped with necessary medical equipment. The mobile health units will visit suburban and rural areas on scheduled days to provide healthcare services to people who have limited access to medical facilities. This initiative aims to ensure that everyone, regardless of their location, has access to quality healthcare services.
The Chief Minister has also directed the health department to address the shortage of infant formula and other essential medicines on a priority basis. She has called for the establishment of medical centers for the treatment of heart diseases, cancer, and other critical illnesses in each district. These centers will provide high-quality care to patients and will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. The Chief Minister has also emphasized the importance of public awareness and health screening programs to prevent and detect diseases at an early stage.
In conclusion, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s efforts to improve child healthcare in Punjab are a testament to her commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare services in the province. Through a series of comprehensive reforms and initiatives, she is working to ensure that all children and mothers have access to high-quality healthcare services. These efforts will not only improve the health and well-being of children but also contribute to the overall development of the province.