LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Clinic on Wheels initiative has reportedly provided healthcare services to more than 30 million patients, according to a briefing given during a high-level health review meeting.
The meeting, chaired by Maryam Nawaz via video link, reviewed ongoing healthcare reforms and initiatives across Punjab.
Secretary Primary and Secondary Healthcare Nadia Saqib briefed the meeting on the progress of the Clinic on Wheels programme and other health sector measures. The government also plans to introduce digital medical boxes equipped with ultrasound, blood sugar testing, CBC and ECG facilities. A connected camera will enable teleconferencing with medical professionals.
Authorities have also decided to introduce smart ultrasound devices that can be connected to mobile phones.
Under the planned telemedicine system, patients suffering from common and seasonal illnesses will be able to consult doctors through video calls. The centres will also facilitate referrals and appointments with relevant hospitals, wards and laboratories.
The Punjab government has decided to upgrade 300 Rural Health Centres (RHCs) into fully equipped hospitals and directed officials to provide a new CT scan machine to every district, according to the briefing.
More than 40,000 doctors and healthcare workers have reportedly been recruited across Punjab, including doctors, women medical officers, consultants, 7,572 Lady Health Visitors and 5,048 support staff.
The chief minister also directed authorities to establish a pool of doctors and medical superintendents to respond to emergency situations.
A Directorate of Monitoring and Surveillance has been established within primary healthcare to digitally monitor DHQ and THQ hospitals, field hospitals and Clinic on Wheels services around the clock. Clinic Quality Control Officers have also been appointed to assess treatment standards.
The government plans to recognise high-performing hospitals through a “Hospital of the Month” award, while officials said action had also been ordered against the administrations of four hospitals over alleged negligence.
Health inspectors have completed the registration and digital data collection of more than 119.8 million people, according to the briefing. The data is being used to facilitate doorstep delivery of medicines to thousands of patients suffering from diseases including diabetes, hepatitis and tuberculosis.
The meeting also reached an agreement in principle to introduce legislation aimed at connecting private clinics with the Health Information Management System (HIMS).
The Clinic on Wheels programme is part of Punjab’s broader effort to provide medical services closer to communities, particularly in areas where residents may face difficulties travelling to major healthcare facilities. Recent reporting has also cited the programme as having served more than 30 million patients.