LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a project aimed at providing glasses and hearing aids to 700,000 students with weak eyesight and impaired hearing after screening in schools across the province.
Under this initiative, students attending schools in the province will undergo comprehensive medical examinations to assess their visual and auditory health. Those identified with impaired eyesight or hearing will receive appropriate spectacles and hearing aids.
The screening process is set to commence in both government and private educational institutions throughout Punjab. Substantial financial backing for this initiative, costing Rs500 million, has been pledged by a private institution, ATscale.
The chief minister recently met with a delegation from ATscale to deliberate upon various pertinent matters, including the provision of internet services in schools.
They also discussed strategies to address nutritional deficiencies among schoolchildren, with an emphasis on health, nutrition, and collaborative efforts with relevant departments.
In line with the commitment to advancing educational standards, concerted efforts will be undertaken for the capacity building of schoolteachers.
Additionally, the CM announced plans for the establishment of Punjab's first government school catering specifically to children afflicted with autism in Lahore.
"I am committed to serving the people of Punjab with a forward-looking approach. Effecting positive change necessitates embracing modern ideologies and ensuring every child's right to education, aligning with global standards," she said.
Furthermore, a "Packet Milk Project" is slated for launch in collaboration with the private sector, aimed at combating nutritional deficiencies among students. Additionally, the provision of free emergency Wi-Fi services in Lahore has been reinstated.
The ATscale delegation lauded Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's unwavering commitment to public service, underscoring her visionary leadership.
The meeting was attended by Senator Pervez Rasheed, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister for Education Rana Sikandar Hayat, MPA Nausheen Adnan, and others.