Punjab allocates Rs128.6b for healthcare

In the annual development budget for 2024-25, the Punjab government has allocated significant funds to revamp and upgrade the health sector. The Specialised Health Care and Medical Education Department has been granted Rs86 billion, while Rs42.6 billion has been allocated to the Primary and Secondary Healthcare Department.

The largest portion of the budget is directed towards the revamping of public hospitals, disease screening for children, and upgrading hospital infrastructure.

Specifically, Rs1 billion is set aside for the renovation of old blocks at the Punjab Institute of Mental Health. Additionally, Rs30 billion is allocated for the consultation services of Narowal Medical College. A major transformation is planned for the TB Sanatorium in Samli, with Rs200 billion dedicated to converting it into a 300-bed general hospital.

The Children’s Hospital in Lahore will receive Rs450 million for establishing an ICU, and Rs100 million will go towards setting up a Project Management Unit (PMU) to enhance capacity building in procurement, development planning, and service delivery monitoring.

Moreover, Rs1 billion is earmarked for the provision of high-tech equipment through an outsourcing and pay-for-performance model. Tertiary care hospitals in Punjab will see Rs1.5 billion spent on the functionalisation of HVACs, lifts, and other mechanical infrastructure.

Another Rs1.427 billion is allocated for outsourcing support services, including laundry, MEPG, CSSD, and medical-grade oxygen.

The budget includes Rs2.5 billion for revamping Rural Health Centres (RHCs) and Rs5 billion for upgrading Basic Health Units (BHUs) in North and Central Punjab.