Punjab’s health sector being aligned with global standards: Minister

LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab’s health sector is being brought in line with global standards, while cooperation with China in healthcare, health insurance, medical training, research and advanced treatment is being further expanded. She said Punjab has reached an agreement with Wuhan University, Taiping Health and other leading Chinese institutions to enhance cooperation in the field of health insurance. Collaboration with Chinese health insurance companies would help further improve Punjab’s health insurance sector and promote modern insurance models. Azma Bokhari said the Pakistan-China Joint Neurosurgery Training and Medical Tourism Centre has been established in Wuhan, which would play an important role in promoting medical training, research and academic exchange. The centre would also create greater opportunities for Pakistani doctors to receive advanced medical training. The Information Minister said a Chinese health insurance delegation, led by Professor Chen, had expressed keen interest in Punjab’s health sector. Punjab would benefit from China’s experience and expertise to further improve healthcare facilities and medical services across the province. She said the partners in the Pakistan-China Joint Neurosurgery Centre include the Punjab Institute of Neurosciences, Zhongnan Hospital Wuhan and CPMA. Efforts are under way to promote the exchange of medical expertise, advanced treatment techniques and medical knowledge between Chinese and Pakistani experts. Azma Bokhari said the Punjab Health Connect Programme is linking global medical experts with healthcare institutions in Punjab. Special focus is being given to the training of Pakistani doctors and the exchange of medical expertise under the programme. She said Punjab is benefiting from the transfer of advanced medical technology, expertise and human-resource training from China. Efforts are also continuing to promote joint research and advanced medical technologies between China and Punjab. The Punjab Information Minister said the promotion of international investment and modern health insurance models in Punjab’s health sector was a welcome development. Cooperation with China would help further improve the standards of medical training, research, advanced treatment and healthcare facilities in Punjab. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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