The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has discussed ways to improve tertiary healthcare in
Punjab during a meeting with Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique. The
discussion focused on improving specialised hospitals and helping people access better
medical treatment across the province.

The meeting followed the directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to
strengthen cooperation with the ADB. Special Secretary for Development Ahmed Kamal Maan
and other government officials also attended the meeting.

The ADB delegation included senior social sector specialists Hado Hutzing and Philip Kalpaxis.
Senior Project Officer Mansoor Ali Masood and consultants Jawad Qureshi and Ali Sheikh also
participated in the discussion.

During the meeting, the delegation shared possible areas of cooperation to improve specialised
healthcare services. The discussions covered heart diseases, cancer treatment and children’s
healthcare across Punjab.

Khawaja Salman Rafique welcomed the delegation and said the provincial government wanted
to provide quality medical facilities to every citizen. He thanked the ADB for showing interest in
supporting healthcare improvements across the province.

The minister explained that the government was establishing new heart, cancer and children’s
hospitals in different cities. Existing hospitals were also being upgraded to improve patient care
and provide better treatment facilities.

He said improvements were also being made to intensive care units and emergency wards at
major hospitals. The government was also working to strengthen referral services so patients
could reach appropriate medical facilities more easily.

The minister highlighted cardiac institutes operating in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Dera Ghazi
Khan, Rawalpindi, Wazirabad and Bahawalpur. He also mentioned the planned Maryam Nawaz
Cardiology Institute in Gujranwala.

For children’s healthcare, specialised hospitals are available in Lahore, Faisalabad and Multan.
New children’s hospitals are also being established in Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur and Lahore to
expand treatment options.

The government is developing the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in
Lahore. The cancer centre at Nishtar Hospital in Multan is operational, while another specialised
centre is planned for Dera Ghazi Khan.

The ADB delegation assured the provincial government of possible technical and financial
assistance in cardiology, paediatrics and oncology. This support could help improve specialised
medical services and expand treatment opportunities for patients across Punjab.

Source: Original news report

Razia khan