Punjab CM orders free drugs at hospitals, revival of health card 

LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered the implementation of a plan to provide free medicines in the emergency departments of government hospitals, besides the revival of the health card scheme.

During a meeting presided over by the CM, the proposal to establish a central pathology lab for government hospitals was discussed. It was briefed that the renovation of major hospitals in Punjab is scheduled to be completed by June.

The meeting also sought recommendations for establishing medical cities in three districts and a list of vacant, abandoned, and closed hospital buildings across Punjab.

Ms Nawaz emphasized the importance of providing free medicines in government hospital emergencies and decided to initiate home delivery of medicines starting from May 1. She also sought suggestions to enhance the pathology lab system.

She also announced plans to redesign and activate the health card system, while reiterating the commitment to complete the renovation of major hospitals in Punjab by June.

Addressing the meeting, she reiterated that free medicines are a fundamental right of the people, saying that access to medical facilities is not a favor but a basic entitlement for every citizen. She pledged to fulfill the promise of providing medicines and asserted that residents of backward and remote areas deserve equitable access to healthcare services.