Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed authorities to convert 300 Rural Health Centers (RHCs) across the province into full-fledged hospitals.
The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by the chief minister, where officials briefed her on healthcare reforms, hospital performance, digital health facilities, and monitoring systems.
Under the plan, the selected RHCs will be upgraded to provide better treatment and diagnostic facilities to patients, particularly in rural areas.
The provincial government is also preparing to introduce Punjab’s first digital medical box, which can be connected to a camera to enable teleconsultations with doctors. The system will support diagnostic tests including ultrasound, blood sugar, complete blood count (CBC), and electrocardiogram (ECG).
A smart ultrasound device that can be connected to a mobile phone will also be introduced to expand access to diagnostic services.
CM Maryam Nawaz also directed the establishment of telemedicine centers for common and seasonal illnesses. Patients will be able to consult doctors through video calls, while those requiring further treatment will be referred to the relevant hospital or department.
The centers will also help patients arrange hospital appointments and laboratory tests.
The chief minister also ordered the introduction of a “Hospital of the Month” award for well-performing facilities. She directed the immediate replacement of four hospital medical superintendents over poor performance and negligence.
CM Maryam ordered the creation of an emergency pool of doctors and medical superintendents to respond to emergency situations and directed authorities to provide new CT scan machines in every district.
Clinic quality control officers will also be appointed to monitor the standard of treatment provided to patients.
Meanwhile, a Directorate of Monitoring and Surveillance has been established in the primary healthcare system to provide round-the-clock digital monitoring of public health facilities.
The monitoring system will cover District Headquarters Hospitals, Tehsil Headquarters Hospitals, Maryam Nawaz Hospitals, Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics, field hospitals, and Clinics on Wheels.
The chief minister also directed officials to improve cleanliness and parking arrangements at district and tehsil hospitals.
Officials further agreed to introduce legislation to connect private clinics with the Health Information Management System (HIMS).
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