Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a fleet of 200 mobile clinics to bring essential medical services directly to the doorstep of patients, eliminating barriers to healthcare access.
The initiative is aimed at transforming healthcare accessibility in the province, the lack of which has forced millions of people to fall into the traps of quack. Quackery is widespread in Pakistan leading to the spread of contagious diseases such as HIV and AIDS.
To further enhance healthcare accessibility, she allocated an additional 100 Rural Ambulance Services (1034) for rural regions. She made a brief journey by riding the Clinic-on-Wheels van and handed over a symbolic key to Health Department officials.
Each mobile clinic is staffed with a doctor, a Lady Health Visitor (LHV), and a dispenser, equipped to administer medications and conduct vital medical tests. Moreover, select vehicles are equipped with ultrasound facilities to cater to the needs of expectant mothers. People will be provided free medicines.
A field hospital project has also been launched to provide health facilities to people at their doorsteps. Two to three thousand patients are provided free treatment in the field hospitals.
Travelsdubai.com spoke to a local medical practitioner Dr Bilal Niazi, about the significance of mobile hospitals. Terming it a political stunt, he argued, "Why can't the government focus on reforming the already established hospitals? The Basic Health Units and hospitals are yet to be reformed, but Maryam is making a mockery of Punjab and Pakistan's healthcare sector."
Team Travelsdubai.com interviewed a few more doctors and a patient to reflect on the viability of mobile hospitals.
Professor Humad from Al Razi Hospital and the executive member of the Society of Surgeons and Pakistan Medical Association opined, "Maryam's initiative is a step towards reforms in the health sector, there are places where hospitals are nonexistent. It (mobile hospitals) is one of its kind, it will provide healthcare to the common man at their doorstep, and that too free of cost!"
Image Credit: Radio Pakistan
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, held at the Lahore Fort Alamgiri Gate, CM Maryam Nawaz underscored the significance of decentralized healthcare services, particularly for densely populated areas where accessing traditional hospitals can be challenging.
She reaffirmed the provincial government's unwavering commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of Punjab's residents by extending essential healthcare services to their immediate surroundings.
CM Maryam Nawaz expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the health ministry, health secretary, and the entire health department in bringing the Clinics on Wheels Project to fruition. She emphasized the critical role of the initial months of governance in shaping the trajectory of the government's policies.
Talking exclusively to Travelsdubai.com, a senior worker of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, on condition of anonymity said, "This might be a gimmick and a PR move by N, we are strong supporters of Shehbaz, but this initiative is being used as a PR tool, but people are appreciating it."
The previous caretaker government first conceived the Clinic-on-Wheel project in December 2023. Under the project, the District Health Authority Rawalpindi started the initiative, with eight vehicles under the slogan “Sahat Aapki Dehleez Par” (Health at your doorstep, in the rural areas of Rawalpindi Tehsil. Each vehicle had a male doctor and a female doctor, a nutrition officer, support staff, and family planning staff.
Besides providing basic health facilities one of the mandates of the Clinics on Wheel was to give family planning counseling services to implement the “Kum Bacha Khushal Gharana” (Fewer Children, Prosperous Household) program. Another responsibility included undertaking an awareness program for polio vaccination and prevention of dengue and epidemic diseases.
Taking a generous position, CM Maryam Nawaz lamented the practice of discontinuing public welfare projects started by a government's predecessors. She has vowed to continue the successful initiatives of the previous government.
Team Travel Dubai's conversation with a resident of Lahore's Kachi Abbadis, Asiya Micheal revealed, "I used to fear taking my father to the hospital, but now hospitals have come to the roads, helping the needy at their crucial times..."
In addition to the Clinics on Wheels Project, CM Maryam Nawaz has announced setting up cutting-edge cardiology facilities in eight cities across Punjab, including Mianwali, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Jhelum, Sahiwal, Murree, and Layyah.
This multifaceted approach underscores the government's commitment to advancing healthcare infrastructure and services across the province.
Talking to a pregnant woman who has used the mobile healthcare services, Sukaina said, "This was long due. It has brought hospitals to our homes, we had never imagined this would happen in Lahore, however, I feel there is room for improvement in this project."