PM Shehbaz vows to make Islamabad a model city for healthcare excellence

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Ministry of National Health Services to modernize federal healthcare institutions and transform Islamabad into a model city for healthcare, setting a benchmark for the entire country.

Chairing a high-level meeting to review the Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, the prime minister emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring access to quality healthcare across Pakistan. He stressed the importance of enhancing federal healthcare facilities to meet international standards.

The prime minister instructed the health ministry to expedite the construction of the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Center. He also urged the immediate initiation of the pre-qualification process for procuring advanced medical and surgical equipment for the facility. The pre-qualification process is to be overseen by an expert consultant, with a mandatory third-party audit to ensure transparency in construction and procurement.

Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the health ministry to fast-track the approval process for the university charter associated with the Jinnah Medical Complex. This initiative aims to establish the complex as a premier center for medical research and education.

During the briefing, officials highlighted significant progress on the Jinnah Medical Complex project. It was revealed that the complex has been registered as a company under Section 42 of the Companies Act, and its master plan has received approval from the steering committee. Recruitment for the Project Management Unit and Project Implementation Unit is also underway to ensure smooth execution of the project.

The prime minister's directives reflect his vision to make Islamabad a hub of advanced healthcare, setting a precedent for other regions. His focus on transparency, modernization, and accessibility underscores the government's priority to uplift healthcare standards nationwide.