Punjab launches Health Connect Programme to bring foreign specialists to public hospitals

The Punjab government has launched the Punjab Health Connect Programme, under which Pakistani-origin and foreign specialist doctors and surgeons will provide free treatment at public hospitals across the province.

The programme was introduced on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to address shortages of specialist doctors and improve access to advanced medical care in government-run health facilities.

Under the initiative, overseas Pakistani and foreign medical specialists will offer clinical and surgical services in Punjab’s public hospitals.

The visiting doctors and surgeons will also train local medical professionals in modern treatment techniques, surgical procedures and other specialised medical skills.

The provincial government said the training component would help strengthen the capacity of local healthcare workers and support the transfer of international medical expertise to Punjab’s public health system.

Maryam said the government was committed to providing international-standard medical services at public hospitals.

“The health system in Punjab is being developed in line with global standards,” she said.

The chief minister said the Health Connect Programme would help government hospitals obtain specialist expertise in medical fields where trained professionals were currently in short supply.

Officials said the initiative was aimed at improving patient care while enabling doctors and other medical staff in Punjab to benefit from the experience of specialists working abroad.

Reporter: Rao Dilshad