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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has called for sweeping reforms in the province’s health system, directing officials to present a comprehensive plan within 10 days. The plan, which will include short-term, medium-term, and long-term reforms, aims to address the systemic issues plaguing the healthcare sector in Punjab.
In a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Sharif, several key initiatives were discussed, including the provision of free medicine, a warehouse project, the Punjab Health Initiative Management Company, and Universal Health Insurance. A high-level ministerial committee was also established to oversee the implementation of these reforms.
Chief Minister Sharif emphasized the need for urgent action, stating that reforms in the health system are “the most important need of the hour.” She also expressed concern over the theft of medicines from government hospitals, calling it “shameful” and directing officials to implement an advance notification system to prevent shortages.
The Punjab government has already taken steps to improve the healthcare system, including increasing the health budget by 14% and allocating funds for the construction of new hospitals and the upgradation of existing facilities ¹. Chief Minister Sharif has also directed officials to ensure 100% attendance of doctors in every Basic Health Unit (BHU) and to take measures to increase seats for medical students.
The reforms proposed by Chief Minister Sharif are expected to have a significant impact on the healthcare system in Punjab, improving access to quality healthcare for millions of people across the province.
