PM Shehbaz Sharif vows state-of-the-art free healthcare for deserving patients

Groundbreaking of Jinnah Medical Complex marks a new era in free healthcare, says premier

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif announced on Sunday the government's commitment to providing state-of-the-art free healthcare facilities to deserving patients nationwide.

Addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of the Jinnah Medical Complex, the prime minister stated that the complex would be one of the region’s premier medical centres, offering 100% free medical treatment to the needy.

“This is the gift of the coalition government not only for the residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad but for the people from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan as well,” PM Shehbaz Sharif said.

The premier highlighted that the completed medical complex would offer world-class healthcare facilities, including specialised departments for heart, kidney, lung, and cancer treatments. Additionally, a modern first aid emergency section with air ambulance services for remote areas will be established.

Nursing schools and laboratories will be integrated into the hospital, ensuring deserving patients receive 100% free lab tests. The Prime Minister stressed that this model aligns with PML-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s vision of providing free medical services to the poor while offering paid services to wealthier patients.

PM Shehbaz Sharif expressed his gratitude to Chairman HBL Sultan Ali Allana and Prince Rahim Aga Khan for their free technical consultancy support for the project. He acknowledged the Aga Khan Foundation’s long-standing contributions to the country.

He directed the authorities to complete the project within one year, despite the challenging timeline, emphasising determination and continuous work. The prime minister assured that government funding would not be an issue.

He also thanked Islamabad Chief Commissioner Ali Randhawa for providing land for the project and expressed his appreciation for the support from the finance minister, finance secretary, and planning minister.

Regarding compensation for those affected by the land acquisition, the premier instructed the provision of a one-window facility to expedite their issues.

Health Coordinator Dr Mukhtar Ahmed, MNAs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Hanif Abbasi, and Raja Khurrum Nawaz also spoke at the event. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar was in attendance.