Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday approved a new initiative aimed at strengthening specialised healthcare services by engaging overseas Pakistani and foreign specialist doctors to perform advanced surgeries and provide treatment in public hospitals across the province.
Launch of Diaspora Doctor Locum Programme
Chairing a special meeting of the Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department, the chief minister approved the launch of the Diaspora Doctor Locum Programme (DDLP), under which internationally qualified specialists will undertake short-term assignments in 12 government hospitals in Punjab. A dedicated online portal and digital dashboard will also be established to manage registrations, credential verification, appointments, payments and performance monitoring.
Under the programme, overseas Pakistani and foreign doctors possessing recognised specialist qualifications, at least three years of overseas fellowship experience and a valid fitness certificate will be eligible to participate. Doctors selected under the scheme will be required to serve for a minimum of 15 days and will be allowed to perform up to eight advanced surgical procedures during their stay.
Training and Expansion to Nursing Sector
Officials informed the meeting that, in addition to providing specialised treatment, participating doctors would also train local healthcare professionals. Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to prepare a similar programme for the nursing sector, saying highly qualified international doctors and nurses would be offered attractive packages to serve in Punjab. “Bringing the best human resources to Punjab is my mission,” the chief minister said, stressing the need to improve healthcare standards through international expertise and professional training. She also emphasised the importance of efficient hospital management, noting that quality nursing care could significantly improve patient outcomes.
Progress on Major Healthcare Projects
The meeting was also briefed on progress made in major healthcare projects across the province. Officials informed the chief minister that the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha is expected to be inaugurated on July 15, while the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research is scheduled for inauguration on July 31. The Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore is likely to become operational on August 15.
According to the briefing, capital works at the Sargodha cardiology institute have been completed. A documentary on the facility was presented during the meeting, after which the chief minister commended the efforts of the Specialised Healthcare Department and the Infrastructure Development Authority Punjab (IDAP). She praised the quality of construction, remarking that the institute resembled a major hospital in Saudi Arabia.
Completion Timelines and Recruitment
Officials further informed the meeting that construction packages of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research would be completed by July 31, enabling the facility’s inauguration on the same date. Recruitment for the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, is expected to be completed by July 10 ahead of its planned inauguration in August.
Ongoing Healthcare Delivery Initiatives
The chief minister was also briefed on ongoing healthcare delivery initiatives in the province. Officials said free treatment had been provided to 22 million patients across Punjab, while 13,550 children had undergone free heart surgeries under the CM Children’s Heart Surgery Programme.
The meeting was further informed that free medicines had been delivered to the doorsteps of more than 728,000 patients under various government healthcare initiatives.
