LAHORE: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique announced on Friday that the provincial government has initiated a Rs2 billion project to revamp Jinnah Hospital Lahore. The project includes comprehensive upgradation and construction of key healthcare facilities such as a new emergency block, blood bank, Surgical Unit-II, ICU, and other essential departments.
Address at Allama Iqbal Medical College Convocation
The health minister expressed these views while addressing the 24th convocation of Allama Iqbal Medical College as the chief guest. He highlighted that Jinnah Hospital Lahore achieved a major milestone by receiving a regular license from the Punjab Healthcare Commission, securing 100 percent marks in the inspection criteria. He credited the faculty, nurses, and paramedical staff for this achievement.
Major Healthcare Initiatives
Khawaja Salman Rafique stated that the Punjab government has launched several major healthcare initiatives, including the Chief Minister’s Children Heart Surgery Program, kidney and liver transplant programs, bone marrow transplant, cochlear implant, cornea transplant, adult heart surgery, cancer treatment, and stroke management program. Neurology services for adults and children are being introduced in districts in phases, while free dialysis treatment has been ensured in government and private hospitals across Punjab.
Infrastructure Development
New children’s hospitals are being established in all divisional headquarters, and cardiology facilities are already functional in various areas. New institutions have recently been inaugurated in Sargodha and Lahore. Burn units are also being established in divisional headquarters as well as Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan.
Message to Graduates
Addressing the graduating students, the minister said the convocation celebrates not only academic achievement but also values such as hard work, patience, and service to humanity. He urged graduates to uphold patient trust and serve humanity with dedication and professionalism.
Other Speakers
Former Health Minister Professor Dr. Javed Akram remarked that Allama Iqbal Medical College is a guardian of great traditions, and doctors have a unique opportunity to earn prayers through treating suffering humanity. He emphasized that no one can become a good doctor without first being a good human being. Principal Allama Iqbal Medical College Professor Dr. Tayyaba Waseem said the institution received a regular license from the Punjab Healthcare Commission. She added that the HIMS system will soon be activated at Jinnah Hospital Lahore, a digital library has been established, and biometric attendance of students is being ensured.
Awards and Degrees
During the ceremony, gold and silver medals along with MBBS degrees were awarded to the best graduate Dr. Hadiya Younis and other distinguished students. The administration presented a report highlighting outstanding achievements of the college. Among the attendees were Pro Vice Chancellor University of Health Sciences Professor Nadia Naseem, Professor Mah Jabeen Munira, Professor Ashraf Zia, MS Jinnah Hospital Lahore Professor Hafiz Moinud Din, Professor Majeed Chaudhry, former DG Health Dr. Zahid Pervez, Dean IPH Professor Saira Afzal, Professor Shamsa Humayun, Professor Shabnam, faculty members, graduates, and their parents.
