'Punjab villages face 70% healthcare challenges'

Acting Governor Malik Muhammad Khan on Thursday highlighted severe deficiencies in Punjab's rural healthcare system, stating that Basic Health Units (BHUs) and the broader health network face nearly 70% problems in village areas.

The statement was made during the Friendship of IPEC Gala 2025, held at Governor House Lahore.

The event, organized by the Infection Prevention and Control (IPEC) Foundation, aimed to raise awareness and improve access to healthcare for disadvantaged communities. Chairman of the Prime Minister's Youth Program, Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, also attended the event.

Addressing the gathering, the Acting Governor emphasised that over 70% of Punjab's population resides in villages, where the healthcare system remains largely dysfunctional. "I don't know what we have achieved in the past 70 years. In rural areas, doctors entrusted with public care are not only failing their duties but are also endangering lives," he said