Lahore, March 6, 2025: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a major initiative to outsource rural health centers (RHCs) across the province in a bid to enhance healthcare services. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, where several key measures to improve the health sector were also approved.
Among the major developments, the government has greenlit the activation of Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital within the stipulated timeframe, along with the nomination of its Board of Governors. Other critical decisions include the establishment of burn units, cardiac centres, and children’s wards at the district level to strengthen specialized medical care across Punjab.
A briefing during the meeting highlighted plans to expand the role of basic health centres, transforming them into primary referral centres equipped with medical and diagnostic services typically found in large hospitals. These centres will offer general surgery, gynecology, diagnostics, and medical testing, ensuring accessible healthcare for rural communities.
The government is also exploring the establishment of medical cities at the divisional level to provide advanced treatment for various diseases.
According to officials, 225 rural health centres have already been revamped and upgraded into state-of-the-art clinics that will operate 24/7 after outsourcing. The initiative, led by young doctors, has resulted in a threefold increase in patient numbers, reflecting the growing trust in the reformed healthcare infrastructure.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz set specific deadlines for several key healthcare projects, including Jinnah Hospital PIC 2 in Lahore to be fully operational by September 30, OPD services at the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Sargodha to commence by June and expansion and construction of access roads to the Murree Assembly General Hospital.
The Punjab government’s ambitious healthcare reforms aim to significantly improve medical services, particularly in rural areas, ensuring round-the-clock access to quality healthcare for all citizens.
