Maryam Nawaz’s Healthcare Reforms: Punjab Increases Health Budget by 500%
Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz is committed to healthcare reforms, increasing the health budget by 500% and ensuring hospital accountability, says Azma Bukhari.
Maryam Nawaz Takes Hands-On Approach to Healthcare
Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bukhari has highlighted Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s direct involvement in healthcare reforms, stating that she is the first CM to personally visit hospitals to assess on-ground issues.
During a press conference at the Punjab Assembly, Bukhari criticized the unavailability of essential medicines in public hospitals, calling it unacceptable and emphasizing the need for effective utilization of government healthcare funds.
“The Punjab government has increased the health budget by 500% to improve medical facilities,” she stated.
Hospital Accountability & Immediate Actions
Bukhari stressed that hospital administrations must properly use allocated funds for public welfare. Accountability, she noted, does not rest solely with the chief minister but also with health officials.
She also addressed two patient deaths due to incorrect injections at Mayo Hospital, revealing that the CM dismissed the hospital’s Medical Superintendent (MS) and CEO following the incident.
“Despite Mayo Hospital’s Rs1.33 billion budget and Rs150 million allocated for health insurance, patients were still forced to buy medicines outside,” she added, calling it a serious case of negligence.
Addressing Healthcare Challenges in Punjab
- Doctors’ protests and strikes create difficulties for the public and are unacceptable.
- Punjab doctors are hardworking, but negligence will not be tolerated.
- The health department requires urgent administrative improvements.
Bukhari also condemned the politicization of healthcare crises, stating that Maryam Nawaz’s hospital visits were unfairly criticized.
Punjab Government’s Commitment to Healthcare
The Punjab government remains committed to improving healthcare services, ensuring better medical facilities, and holding officials accountable for negligence.
“No negligence will be tolerated in Punjab’s healthcare system,” Bukhari reaffirmed.
