LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif presided over second consecutive day of cabinet and departmental accountability sessions, receiving extensive briefings and reviewing progress on ongoing projects across all government departments. The three-hour performance review meeting showcased unprecedented achievements, rigorous scrutiny and several decisive future reforms.
According to the briefing, Mines and Minerals department set a historic benchmark by generating Rs 33 billion in revenue, the highest in Punjab’s history. Health initiatives under the Punjab government have delivered extraordinary results, with 16.5 million patients treated through “Clinic on Wheels” service, while 46 lac 72 thousand patients benefited from Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics. Additionally, Maryam Nawaz Hospital successfully conducted more than 16,700 surgeries.
The meeting was informed that more than 17,000 patients suffering from tuberculosis, hepatitis and Type-1 diabetes received home delivery of essential medicines.
During the recent floods, 1.25 million patients were provided medical care through medical camps, Clinics on Wheels, field hospitals and through innovative “Clinics on Boats” service. Authorities concerned briefed that under the Mines and Minerals Ration Card Program, 17,655 workers received ration cards and Rs 12 0 million were transferred directly to workers through more than 40,000 bank transactions.
They apprised that for the first time in Punjab, nutritious lunches were provided to over 40,000 special children, while more than 36,000 children received free and immediate medical treatment at special education centres. Officials concerned briefed that digital monitoring has been launched to prevent harassment incidents in special education centres and transport systems. They added that a door-to-door enrollment campaign for special children has also begun with the support of PITB and computer training for children aged 16–18 is underway.
On disaster preparedness, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed to carry out immediate, war-footing measures so as to counter potential flooding across Punjab. She directed departments to utilize temporary water tanks for rainwater harvesting and take urgent measures to address reduced water-carrying capacity in link canals. The Irrigation department received conditional approval to hire staff as needed during flood emergencies. Chief Minister Punjab also commended Irrigation Minister and Secretary Irrigation for displaying exemplary performance during recent floods.
The meeting was further informed that 13 Sahulat Bazaars are fully functional in Lahore, while 33 more will be operational across Punjab by December. Officials concerned briefed that Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics are witnessing a significant rise in patient flow due to improved service quality with 3.5 million patients treated in OPDs alone. They further apprised that these clinics offer OPD, ANC, delivery, PNC, family planning and immunization services, all monitored through digital surveillance systems ensuring cleanliness, attendance and service delivery.
Authorities concerned briefed that Punjab launched its first-ever Community Health Inspector Program, with a pilot project registering 636,180 families and 3,036,245 individuals across 570,777 households. They further apprised that inspectors are collecting vital data on education, health, agriculture, socio-economic status and other indicators. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed to ensure full-scale implementation of the said program at the earliest. Officials briefed that in a major development, Punjab approved provision of heart disease treatment within an average 45-minute decision time.
Chief Minister Punjab also set June 30 as deadline to fully outsource 313 rural health centres in the province. Authorities further briefed that for the first time, a telemedicine system will connect doctors and patients across Punjab, while a comprehensive Health Information Management System (HIMS) will be deployed in all hospitals, enabling both doctors and patients to access medical data digitally.
The Chief Minister also directed to ensure immediate provision of essential medical equipment to district and tehsil headquarters hospitals. The session also marked the launch of Punjab Value Addition Financing for Pink Salt Project, under which interest-free loans of up to Rs 50 million will be provided to investors in the Salt Range. A detailed briefing was also given on the Placer Gold Project. Chief Minister Punjab directed to expedite the said project. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized that proactive measures are crucial ahead of future floods, ensuring that “every drop of water is preserved and protected.”
She declared Punjab’s health reforms a “global case study in successful governance.” She reiterated Punjab government’s resolve to establish ‘Sahulat’ Bazaars in every tehsil within next 3–4 months, ensure home delivery of insulin and eliminate the need for patients to stand in long queues. “Punjab has demonstrated unmatched performance and accountability. The milestones achieved by the Punjab government in just one and a half years has not been accomplished in decades,” she said.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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