Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Saturday approved phase-wise reforms in the health system, and the review of issues related to maternal and child health including the provision of standard treatment facilities for them.

The decision was made in a 3-hour long special meeting on the restructuring of health system, consideration of an effective 5-year plan for the upgradation of health department, review of system reform and suggestions for the improvement of management of Rural Health Centers (RHCs) and dispensaries presided over by the chief minister.

During the meeting, she directed the authorities concerned to ensure that there should be no hospital in the province where doctors, paramedical staff, medicines and required medical equipment are not available. She also directed to form a Health Advisory Council to ensure transparency. The Health Advisory Council will include government officials, professionals and public representatives.

Ms Nawaz called for a plan for the upgradation, construction and rehabilitation of BHU and RHC. She directed to ensure uniformity in the external and internal design of BHU and RHC. Secretary C&W was asked to present mock designs of BHU and RHC in two weeks.

The CM directed to install Urdu signboards and proper floor lining in hospitals to guide the public. She approved immediate provision of free medicines to patients. She also called for a field hospital plan to bring health facilities to the doorsteps of people. She directed to send mobile health units to suburban areas and villages on scheduled days. The mobile health unit will have medical officer, LHV, dispenser and other staff besides necessary medical equipment. It was also decided in the meeting to start a pilot project from Lahore to provide health facilities to people at their doorstep.

Ms Sharif ordered to meet shortage of infant formula on priority basis. Proposals for the establishment of medical center for the treatment of heart, cancer and other diseases in each district were also evaluated in the meeting.

She said, “A special hospital will be established to provide best cancer treatment facilities to poor patients, adding that public awareness and health screening should be prioritized in the health department, and special attention should be given to mother and child health at BHU level.”