The Punjab government has introduced the Punjab Health Connect Program to improve healthcare in public hospitals. The initiative brings specialist doctors and surgeons from abroad, including overseas Pakistanis, to treat patients for free.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the program to raise the standard of government healthcare. Under this scheme, visiting experts will provide advanced medical care and train local doctors in modern techniques. This will help solve the shortage of specialists, especially in rural and smaller cities.
Many patients in district and tehsil hospitals currently lack access to specialized treatments. They often travel to big cities or pay high fees at private clinics. The new program aims to bring expert care closer to home. It focuses on fields where specialist doctors are most needed.
The program serves two main goals. First, it gives free high-quality treatment to ordinary citizens. Second, it builds the skills of Punjab’s own healthcare workers through knowledge sharing. Visiting doctors will work in public teaching hospitals and share the latest medical practices.
CM Maryam Nawaz said her government is committed to providing international-standard healthcare. The program will start in phases across the province, beginning with 12 major teaching hospitals in 8 divisions. Doctors can register to participate for short periods, such as a minimum of 7 days.
This step is expected to reduce pressure on the public health system and improve outcomes for the public.