Health sector: Mega projects worth Rs145bn in Punjab being expedited

LAHORE: With focus on health sector, the PML-N-led Punjab government in a short span of time has initiated seven mega projects in the health sector, costing Rs 145 billion, which are expected to be completed soon.

The construction of a three-storey Safe City Hospital with 204 beds in Lahore will commence this month, while Smart Safe Cities in districts will be functional by January 1, 2025. The Air Ambulance Service will start in June while Motorway Ambulance Service will start by December this year.

The Global IT Certificate Programme has been started in Punjab and 4,000 youth will take IT courses under CM Skill Development Programme. Additionally, a Social Registry Survey under the Provincial Database Authority has started, which is expected to complete in June.

The PML-N leader and senior provincial minister Maryam Aurangzeb has issued directives for the expeditious completion of 33 CM Special Projects within the prescribed timeline and prioritizing health development initiatives on urgent basis.

“Nawaz Sharif Cancer Institute Lahore’s first phase will be completed within a year, while the opening of Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha is scheduled for December 2025,” the PML-N leader said, adding: “The first phase of construction and renovation of rural and basic health centres will be completed by October, with the vaccination of major hospitals to be completed by June.”

The PML-N leader outlined various developmental plans including infrastructure expansion on Multan, Wahdat Road, Chichawatni to Chowk Azam, Sahiwal, Sammundri, Bahawalpur to Jhang Road, Faisalabad, Chiniot and Sargodha Road, establishment of wildlife centres, formation of Wildlife Rescue Force, Veterinary doctors’ recruitment and tackling food shortages through aquaculture shrimp and fish farming and trading.

To combat smog permanently, the Environmental Protection Authority is being established along with a multi-sector smog action plan and measures to regulate plastic use, she added.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had already issued directions that the 33 CM development projects should not be delayed and the timely completion of these projects, especially those related to health be expedited.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2024