Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched the “Chief Minister Dialysis Program Card,” a game-changing project that is launched to increase funding for dialysis patients. As part of the initiative, up to Rs. 1 million will likely be allocated for health care services, with Rs. 850,000 set aside for dialysis sessions and Rs. 150,000 for medical tests and procedures. The program assures free medications and tests for dialysis patients.
During a special meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, progress on health initiatives was reviewed, revealing that dialysis patients from other provinces, including Sindh and Balochistan, are also benefiting from free services and medications provided by Punjab.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of uninterrupted dialysis treatment and authorized the establishment of additional dialysis units across the province. She also directed the Punjab Healthcare Commission to ensure that dialysis centers adhere to standard operating procedures and undergo strict monitoring.
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Maryam Nawaz Sharif articulated her frustration over the recent spread of AIDS among dialysis patients in Multan, referring to the situation as heartbreaking and shameful. She demanded a report within 24 hours and criticized the excuse of insufficient funds for halting dialysis services, stressing that treatment should continue without interruption.
During the same session, performance metrics were discussed to evaluate the health department’s effectiveness. Progress reports on current projects such as the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital, the PIC-II, and the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha were also revealed. The Chief Minister instructed that the PIC-II be upgraded to a modern hospital with advanced equipment and specialized training for doctors.
Additionally, Maryam Nawaz Sharif met with a delegation from the Spanish Senate to discuss boosting trade, tourism, and bilateral relations between Spain and Punjab. She highlighted Spain as Pakistan’s second-largest export partner in the EU and expressed interest in collaborating on areas such as climate change, disaster management, and environmental pollution.
The Chief Minister also welcomed Spanish investment in Punjab’s tourism sector and emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and flood mitigation efforts through improved rescue services and early warning systems.