Punjab Getting Multiple Maternal and Child Hospitals

A meeting regarding the status of development programs and funds in Punjab was held under the chair of the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Measures, Asad Umar, via video link. Provincial Minister for Health Yasmin Rashid, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan, Secretary Planning and Development were also present in the meeting.

The federal minister was notified about the progress of Maternal and Child Hospitals, and other ongoing health projects under the Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) in Punjab.

Yasmin Rashid said that the provincial government has fully prepared for the construction of 6 Maternal and Child hospitals in the province, she requested the federal government to ensure the provision of funds under the Covid Response Program.

Yasmeen Rashid also informed the federal minister about the plan to set up an Integrated Communicable Disease Center, similar to NIH Islamabad, in Punjab. She said that the center would be connected to laboratories across Punjab. She added that such facilities will help identify epidemic diseases early and are of the utmost importance due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Asad Umar ensured the provincial minister that the federal government would provide them with the necessary assistance. He also directed the provincial minister to upgrade the District headquarters and Tehsil headquarters in Punjab under the PSDP, and asked them to make PC-1 immediately.