Punjab's 'CM Dialysis Program Card' to cover Rs 10 million for patient care

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the first-ever "Chief Minister Dialysis Program Card". The new initiative will increase the funds allocated for dialysis patients' treatment to up to Rs 10 million.

Under this program, Rs 850,00l0 will be allocated for dialysis sessions, and Rs 150,000 for tests and other medical procedures for each kidney disease patient. Free medications and tests for dialysis patients have been ensured.

The special meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, reviewed the progress of health programs and projects. During the briefing, it was revealed that patients from other provinces are also benefiting from the free dialysis service, and free medications from Punjab are being sent to Sindh, Balochistan, and other provinces.

The Chief Minister has directed that dialysis treatment must continue without interruption. Furthermore, an agreement was reached on establishing more dialysis units in Punjab.

The Punjab Healthcare Commission has been instructed to ensure adherence to SOPs at dialysis centers, and strict monitoring of all dialysis centers in the province will be conducted.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed her strong displeasure over the spread of AIDS among dialysis patients in Multan, demanding a report within 24 hours. She called the incident not only tragic but also shameful, stating that the excuse of insufficient funds to stop dialysis is equally regrettable and that the treatment should continue.

In the meeting, it was also agreed to set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for evaluating the performance of the health department. A progress report on the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital was presented, following which instructions were given to appoint a head for the hospital.

Reports on the ongoing projects of PIC-II and the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha were also shared. The Chief Minister directed that PIC-II be made a state-of-the-art hospital with modern equipment, technologies, and medicines for cardiac diseases. Specialist doctors should receive the latest training, and master trainers should be appointed.

Punjab govt woos Spanish investment

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that Spain was Pakistan's second-largest export partner within the European Union and boosting bilateral relations, trade and tourism between Spain and Punjab would benefit both sides.

The CM expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation from the Spanish Senate on Monday.

The discussion centred on advancing mutual trade and tourism between Spain and Punjab. Both sides also explored cooperation in the economy, climate change, disaster risk management, and environmental pollution.

"We deeply appreciate Spain's support for achieving GSP Plus status," she said, adding "our friendly ties with Spain are highly valued." Maryam expressed an interest in collaborating with Spain on early warning systems and rescue services to mitigate flood damage and emphasised the intention to enhance parliamentary diplomacy.

"We are turning Punjab into a tourist hub and welcome Spanish investment in this sector," the CM stated.