Highlights

< >
01/05/24
CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif Inaugurates Field Hospitals Project

I am extremely grateful to Allah Almighty that health facilities have been brought to the doorsteps of people in a short span of 6 weeks,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif while addressing the Inaugural Ceremony of Field Hospitals Project in Punjab. She added,”Making a big project like field hospitals functional in such a short time was not possible without a special help of Allah Almighty.” She also acknowledged the hard work of Khawaja Salman Rafiq, Khawaja Imran Nazir and Secretary Health Ali Jan who have worked 24 hours a day to accomplish this project so quickly.

The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif explained,”Field hospitals are for those areas where there is no big hospital or good clinic.” She added,”It is a complete hospital equipped with all the basic facilities available in any good clinic.” She highlighted,”God willing, today 32 field hospitals will spread in different areas of Punjab.”

Madam Chief Minister said,”Field hospitals will go to the rural areas and provide the best medical facilities to the people there.” She added,”An announcement will be made in the village that a field hospital is parked at a particular place, where people can go to get themselves treated.”

The Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said,”The field hospital is a state of the art healthcare facility. It has AC, diagnostic unit, lab, ultrasound, ECG, X-ray and pharmacy facilities.” She added,”The facilities like OPD, immunization, first aid, lady health worker, and school nutrition will also be available in a field hospital.”

Madam Chief Minister explained,”I have inspected a field hospital, its pharmacy is full of medicines.” She added,”Today I am going to Bahawalpur with a field hospital. I will go to the rural areas myself to review the facilities provided in the field hospital. Live Dashboard to monitor the performance of field hospital will be available 24 hours a day.“

Madam Chief Minister highlighted,”Containers were used for something else before today. By climbing on the container, people have been exhorting the public to burn, strangle, beat and kill. The container abusers stopped free medicines of cancer patients and took to streets.” ”But If a government comes to serve its people, they become container hospitals. Alhamdulillah, medicines for the cancer patients have been restarted, the fund for the medicines has also been increased from Rs 2 billion to Rs 6 billion,” she added.

Madam Chief Minister said,”The Department of Construction and Works (C&W) is also revamping hospitals and BHUs across Punjab. The revamping of 2500 Basic Health Units and 300 Rural Health Centres of Punjab is in full swing, some have already completed.” She added,”In any BHU or RHC across Punjab, patients will not have to worry due to the non-availability of doctor. We are preparing a comprehensive plan to meet the shortage of doctors.” She vowed,”I will not compromise on the health of my people.”

Madam Chief Minister said,”Pakistan's first air ambulance is going to be launched very soon, it’s training has already started.” She added,”Many people have objected to the launch of Air Ambulance Service, like Nawaz Sharif's Motorway Project. Though people said different things about Motorway in the past, they are.using it today.”

Madam Chief Minister explained,”Air Ambulance is only for the poor citizens.” She added,”When visiting the small hospitals, people told her that due to the lack of air ambulance, heart attack patients die before reaching a big hospital in time.” She lamented,”When I visited Sargodha, I found that there is not a single cath lab in the whole of Sargodha, we will provide a modern cath lab in every city. The cardiology institute at Sargodha will become functional in 12 months.”

Madam Maryam Nawaz Sharif vowed,”God willing, within five years, I will build a state of the art hospital, with a cardiology and cancer unit, in every district of Punjab.” She said,”The first medical city is being built in Lahore.” Madam Chief Minister added,”A large and a modern medical storage will be built in Punjab.”

Madam Chief Minister said,”The health card was created by Nawaz Sharif which was a wonderful project.” She added,”I worked with Nawaz Sharif on the Health Card project. There were no complaints about the card then, now there are heaps of complaints.” She lamented,”In 2018, healthcare was made a bastion of corruption to reward the cronies.”

 
30/04/24
CM Orders Strict Compliance of One-Dish Rule in Wedding Events

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif ordered strict implementation of the one-dish rule in wedding events across Punjab while chairing the 6th meeting of the provincial cabinet. The cabinet approved the provision of free medicines for cancer patients and it was further decided to include more patients in the free cancer medication project. The cabinet in principle approved the launch of the Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Farmer Card and reviewed a proposal to provide direct cash subsidy to small wheat growers.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated, "All resources of Punjab are available for farmers. Middlemen and 'aarthi' cannot be allowed to exploit farmers. I intend to make bread cheaper for the people."

It was agreed to link the approval of water supply and sanitation projects to the permission of the local government department in the province. A consensus was reached to release Rs.10 billion in seed money to the CBD Authority for Nawaz Sharif IT City. The CEO of CBD was praised for convincing Chinese companies to establish campuses in Nawaz Sharif IT City Lahore.

It was briefed that Saudi Academy Riyadh is ready to open a campus in Lahore's Nawaz Sharif IT City. Ten towers will be built in the IT City, with twin towers being built immediately. The launch of Nawaz Sharif IT City will take place in May.

The CM ordered the chief secretary to devise a pool of competent professionals from various fields, adding that the program for the provision of free medicines at the doorstep will start in May. The cabinet approved empowering deputy commissioners to enforce Section 144 in Punjab.

Permission was granted to hand over the charge to ADC instead of ADCR in local bodies till the elections of public representatives. The agreement was reached to set the fee for platinum category number plates for vehicles at one million rupees and the officer's appointment was approved for the design of personalized/vanity number plates.

It was agreed to conduct a performance audit of every ministry in Punjab. Funds were approved for financial assistance to those affected by the landslide in Pherinah village in Muree and one million rupees per house will be provided. Contractual appointments of allied health professionals were approved for the Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education Department, teaching hospitals and other field offices.

Approval was given under the Punjab Medical and Health Institutions Act, 2003 for the formation of the BoM of Gujranwala Medical College and Punjab Institute of Neurosciences. Approval was given to extend the contract of employees of the Primary and Secondary Healthcare's IRMNCH, nutrition program and the directorate of monitoring and evaluation, DGHSP Punjab, Lahore. The approval was also granted to extend the contract of 14 employees of the energy department's consultancy cell.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the Advocate General to amend the contract policy, stating that no extension in any contract would be made without the approval of the cabinet. Approval was given for direct foreign investment of 350 million dollars in the cement plant project in Choa Saidan Shah in Chakwal.

In-principle approval of NOC was granted for setting up three new cement plants and expansion of four cement plants. The application regarding a direct outlet for supplying water to the soda ash plant from Mohajir Branch Canal, Fatehpur Mehra, Khushab. The CM ordered the remodelling of the Mohajir Canal Branch to fulfill the water needs and said that those intending to invest should not be stopped. It was approved to name the Small Industrial State Road from Allied Morr in Faisalabad after Captain Dr Muhammad Bilal Khalil Shaheed Road. In the meeting, the appointment of Muhammad Afzal Khan Khokhar as chairman board of directors of Punjab Model Bazaar Management Company was approved. The cabinet approved the setting up of a high-level committee on smog and the annual calendar for the first parliamentary year of the Punjab Assembly. In the meeting, discussions regarding the proposed results of the education quality and access project and the establishment of a search committee for the appointment of vice-chancellors in universities were approved. It was approved to earn 75% to 80% marks for the vice-chancellor candidates to qualify for the interview. It was also decided to remove the CEO FIEDMC and take legal action.

Provincial ministers, advisers, chief secretary, IG Police, secretaries and others attended the meeting.
29/04/24
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Inaugurates Kids’ Day Care Center at Children's Hospital Lahore

Punjab Government is committed to provide quality healthcare services to the people,” said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif while inaugurating a Kids’ Day Care Center at Children's Hospital Lahore. She directed the relevant authorities to build a new ICU unit in Children's Hospital, and directed to ensure timely release of funds for its early completion.

Madam Chief Minister said,”Every penny is a trust of the nation, it will be spent transparently on the improvement of healthcare facilities.” She added,”We want to build the best hospital for people in every district.”

Madam Chief Minister vowed,”Shortage of doctors in remote area hospitals would be catered to.” She also reviewed a proposal to build Children's Hospital at the Divisional Headquarters and link them with the Children's Hospital Lahore. She directed the provincial ministers to visit the hospital on daily basis.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also witnessed signing of an MoU between Islamic Aid UK and University of Child Health Sciences for the establishment of a college block. Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, VC Dr. Masood Sadiq and Chairman Islamic Aid Mahmoodul Hasan signed the MoU. Madam Chief Minister thanked Islamic Aid for their cooperation and support.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also visited the day care center and reviewed the facilities available there. She loved the children and offered them flowers. Madam Chief Minister directed the day care center staff to take good care of the children. She also posed for a photo with the staff.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also visited the Children's Endocrinology Ward, and the newborn ward to interact with the parents of the children under treatment there. She loved the little children, and prayed for their speedy recovery. She inquired about the provision of medical facilities and free medicines from the parents, and directed the MS to solve their problems immediately.

A mother of a sick child said while talking to the Chief Minister,”I am very happy to meet you madam.” Madam Chief Minister talked to doctors and nurses, and listened to their suggestions.

Earlier, Madam Chief Minister was briefed that the education and research facilities related to children's health will be provided to medical students in the new college block.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information & Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Minister for Primary and Secondary Healthcare Khawaja Imran Nazir, Minister for Specialized Health Care Khawaja Salman Rafiq, MPA Sania Ashiq and Dr. Adnan Khan attended the meeting. Secretary Health Ali Jan, Secretary Information Ahmed Aziz Tarar, Vice-Chancellor University of Child Health Sciences Professor Dr. Masood Sadiq, Chairman Islamic Aid London Mahmood ul Hasan and other relevant officers were also present in the meeting.
29/04/24
Government of Punjab Unveils Comprehensive Initiatives in Upcoming Budget

The Government of Punjab is set to announce a series of strategic initiatives in the upcoming budget to empower farmers, laborers, and students. Key measures include salary increments for employees, deployment of solar systems to reduce electricity expenses, and provision of complimentary electricity units. The phased rollout will offer 100 free units initially, followed by 200 units and 300 units in subsequent phases. Additionally, a substantial allocation of Rs. 4 billion will be dedicated to supporting farmers, alongside addressing the legitimate demands of labor unions. Efforts to stimulate employment opportunities and mitigate inflation will also be prioritized, alongside the introduction of an enhanced municipal service system.

These developments were unveiled by Punjab Finance Minister and Provincial Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, during his address at the Labor Convention organized by Lahore Municipal Corporation. Minister Shuja-ur-Rehman underscored the government's unwavering commitment to prioritize the welfare of citizens, including government employees, laborers, and those in need. He highlighted the proactive implementation of the Ramzan Relief Package initiated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, providing essential rations to 6.5 million households without discrimination. Notably, the government has also reduced the price of flour by up to Rs. 40 per kilo, in addition to adjustments in the prices of bread and naan, with stringent market inspections to ensure compliance.

Under the astute leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the province has witnessed positive economic trends, with reports from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank confirming a decrease in inflation rates by 4 to 5 percent across federal and provincial governments. Minister Shuja-ur-Rehman criticized previous claims of fiscal prudence, highlighting a historical increase in borrowing over the past 70 years, resulting in unemployment. He assured that the government, whenever in power, is committed to addressing the needs of its citizens.

Reflecting on his political journey, Minister Shuja-ur-Rehman shared his humble beginnings from Jinnah Hall as a counselor to his current position as a provincial minister, attributing his success to a dedication to public service and the trust bestowed upon him by the leadership. He pledged to prioritize the resolution of labor union issues.

Notable attendees at the convention included MPA Ghazali Butt, Mayor Lahore, Deputy Mayor Chaudhry Bilal, Chairman Labor Union Mahboob Bhatti, and President Munir Taka Khan.
24/04/24
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Approves "Apni Chhat... Apna Ghar” Project for Homeless Low-Income People

“Construct the best houses at minimum cost near cities,” said Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif while approving "Apni Chhat... Apna Ghar (Own Roof…Own Home)" project. She was chairing a special meeting on the construction of model low-cost houses for the homeless low-income segment of society.

Madam Chief Minister also directed to consult Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners to get best of the best maps for these houses.

Earlier, the Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was briefed that 519 kanals of state land have been identified in five major cities including Lahore for the construction of low-cost houses for the homeless low-income people.

Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senator Pervaiz  Rashid, Information & Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari and MPA Sania Ashiq attended the meeting. Chief Secretary, SMBR, Chairman P&D, Secretary Housing, Secretary Finance, Commissioner Lahore and other relevant officers were also present in the meeting.