Telemedicine, cardiac care for Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a plan to launch a provincewide telemedicine system and.cardiac surgery services at the Jhang District Headquarters Hospital.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of a cath lab in Jhang, she said the construction of the Nawaz Sharif Medical District in Lahore would begin in March.

She said the government was committed to providing equal medical facilities to all citizens regardless of financial status.

Expressing satisfaction over the establishment of the lab in the remote district, she said timely medical intervention during the golden hour of a heart attack could save lives.

The chief minister noted that patients were now being treated locally instead of being referred to Lahore.

She said patients had informed her that while they were given appointments several months later in large cities, procedures in Jhang were being completed in 48 hours.

She 16 cath labs had been launched across Punjab within months, while cardiology institutes had been established in Sahiwal, Murree and Sargodha. She added that patients from other provinces were also receiving treatment in Punjab.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the telemedicine services would allow doctors to examine patients through mobile phone screens, while specialist consultants from across the world would also be engaged.

She said the Nawaz Sharif Medical District would house specialised hospitals for children, cardiology, blood diseases, orthopaedics, burns and genetic disorders. Advanced cancer treatment facilities, including a modern Chinese technology, are also being introduced, she added.

She also praised the local administration and police for improved law and order in Jhang.