Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed that every poor patient in the province should receive treatment at any hospital without paying any money.
Chairing a special meeting on health sector reforms, she said that no cancer patient should be left untreated due to financial constraints.
Major decisions on healthcare reforms
The meeting, chaired by CM Maryam Nawaz, approved a new admission policy for public and private medical and dental colleges in Punjab. It was decided that passing the MDCAT test will be mandatory for admissions to government medical colleges.
For the children of overseas Pakistanis, a $10,000 fee will be charged in the MDCAT. Candidates named in private medical college merit lists will have to deposit one-third of the fee with the University of Health Sciences (UHS). After the final merit list is released, UHS will transfer this amount to the respective college, while students will deposit the remaining fee at the private medical and dental college concerned after the final merit list is released.
Compulsory service and specialization policy
The meeting also agreed on a proposal to introduce compulsory service after postgraduate training in private hospitals. According to the new policy, trainee doctors will be sent for specialization in relevant departments of private medical colleges as per the demand of specialists.
Maryam Nawaz further approved a plan to build medical blocks within government universities instead of constructing entirely new medical college buildings, ensuring cost-effective expansion.
Recognition of Medical Achievements
Expressing happiness over recent medical milestones, CM Maryam Nawaz welcomed the first successful angioplasty in Sahiwal and the start of surgeries at the Sahiwal Cardiac Center. She also directed Mayo Hospital to develop foolproof and transparent procedures for treatment at the coablation center.
Relief for cancer patients and poor families
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that treatment for cancer patients must be ensured at every cost. She stressed that all poor patients should have access to free treatment in hospitals across Punjab, reinforcing her commitment to making healthcare more accessible.
The Chief Minister also approved the formation of boards of management for various institutions and directed the necessary steps for the early establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Medical City.
