Change in Punjab’s plan to deliver freed drugs at patients’ doorstep

LAHORE: Due to logistics issues, Punjab health department will provide free medicines to patients at their doorsteps in two phases, prioritizing the supply in cities initially. 

This was stated by Punjab Health Minister Khwaja Salman Rafique recently, saying despite efforts to engage a private courier company for nationwide delivery, logistical constraints have limited the service to urban areas, initially.

He said that in response to rising inflation, the Punjab government had devised the plan aimed at providing medicines to the patients suffering from heart disease, tuberculosis, and hepatitis at their doorstep.

However, he said due to logistical challenges faced by the courier company’s capacity, this initiative will now be implemented in two phases, with the first phase catering to urban patients and the second extending services to rural areas.

Mr Rafique affirmed that the contract with the private courier company adheres to Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PEPRA) regulations, ensuring transparency and compliance.