Punjab working on reforms in healthcare sector: minister

LAHORE: Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehmaun said on Saturday said that the Punjab government is undertaking comprehensive reforms to modernise the healthcare system through improved governance, effective leadership, and sustainable policy interventions. Addressing the 4th International Medical Conference titled ‘Healthcare in Action: Governance, Leadership and Reforms’ at Rashid Latif Khan University, he said that investment in the health sector is essentially an investment in human capital, which is vital for long-term economic growth and social stability. The conference brought together a large number of healthcare professionals, academicians, policymakers, and students from across the country to deliberate on key challenges and reforms in medical education and healthcare governance. Highlighting the government’s priorities, the Minister said that the Punjab government is focusing on the up-gradation of public sector hospitals, strengthening diagnostic services, and ensuring the uninterrupted availability of essential medicines. He added that, on the special directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, particular emphasis is being placed on improving paediatric healthcare, including the restoration and enhancement of facilities for the treatment of complex diseases, aimed at securing a healthier future for the younger generation. He underscored that meaningful reforms in medical education are critical to building an efficient and responsive healthcare system. Emphasising the need for modernisation, he said the education system must be aligned with contemporary requirements by promoting research, innovation, and hands-on training, enabling graduates to compete at international standards. He further stated that the government is actively promoting public-private partnerships to leverage the strengths of both sectors in advancing healthcare delivery and medical education. He acknowledged the significant contribution of private medical institutions and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working collaboratively to develop a resilient and effective healthcare system. He said that improving governance, ensuring transparency, and advancing digitalisation remain central to the government’s reform agenda, with the ultimate objective of delivering efficient and timely healthcare services to the public. Terming the conference a valuable initiative, the Minister said that such platforms facilitate constructive dialogue among stakeholders and contribute to evidence-based policymaking. He expressed optimism that the deliberations and recommendations of the conference would play a pivotal role in strengthening medical education and healthcare governance in Pakistan. He reiterated the Punjab government’s resolve to further accelerate health sector reforms to ensure accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services for all citizens. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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