Punjab to introduce mobile medical units for underserved communities

WEB DESK: Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz, has greenlit an initiative to introduce a field hospital and clinic on wheels project as part of a comprehensive healthcare overhaul across the province.

In a landmark decision, the CM also sanctioned the revamping of rural and basic health centers (BHUs) throughout Punjab.

Chairing the 5th meeting on Health Reforms within a month, CM Maryam Nawaz steered discussions towards crucial reforms in the healthcare sector, culminating in the approval of this vital project.

She directed the immediate allocation of Rs16 billion for the upgrade of hospitals, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare facilities.

Under the envisioned project, 32 field hospitals will be deployed next month, catering to areas where BHUs and Rural Health Centers are lacking.

These mobile medical units will offer a range of services, including ultrasounds, laboratory tests, essential medicines, and initial medical check-ups, ensuring healthcare access reaches even the most remote corners of Punjab.

Additionally, the establishment of 200 clinic on wheels units will benefit residents of semi-urban and katchi abadies, providing essential healthcare services at their doorstep.

Equipped with doctors, Lady Health Visitors (LHVs), vaccinators, and ultrasound facilities, these clinics will address the healthcare needs of underserved communities.

CM Maryam Nawaz stressed the importance of transparency in procurement processes, particularly in acquiring medicines, and underscored the necessity of maintaining a constant presence of medical professionals in hospitals.

Furthermore, plans are underway to establish state-of-the-art hospitals in every district, alongside linking children’s hospitals in major cities with the Children Medical University.

The meeting also addressed staffing concerns, with plans to recruit skilled personnel through a transparent, merit-based process, while also enhancing the training and skills of nurses.

Moreover, reforms in hospital management structures were discussed, with a focus on ensuring efficient governance and accountability.

A search committee was formed for the appointment of key positions, including Vice-Chancellor of Nishthar Medical University and CEOs of various hospitals.

In attendance at the meeting were senior provincial ministers including Maryam Aurangzeb, Azma Bokhari, Khawaja Imran Nazir, and Khawaja Salman Rafique, along with other officials and stakeholders.

The comprehensive briefing provided by the Secretary of Health highlighted ongoing projects and outlined future endeavors, including the completion of the Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital Lahore and the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology Sargodha by June 2026.

With a robust plan in place for the upgradation of BHUs, RHCs, and tertiary hospitals, Punjab’s healthcare system is poised for significant improvements, ensuring accessible and quality healthcare services for all residents across the province.

Web Desk