CM Maryam vows to eliminate TB as Punjab rolls out doorstep medicine delivery

• Punjab CM says free TB medicines reach patients’ homes across Punjab, renewing commitment to end disease burden

• Says free diagnostics, PCR tests ensured at public hospitals with DOTS strategy guarantees cost-free treatment at district, tehsil level

 LAHORE: Marking World TB Day, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday said that free medicines are being delivered to tuberculosis (TB) patients at their doorsteps across the province, as part of intensified efforts to eliminate the disease.

In her message on the day, the chief minister reaffirmed her government’s commitment to sustaining the fight against TB, stressing that its eradication is vital for a healthy Punjab. She emphasised that timely diagnosis and effective treatment can save lives, and called for enhanced public awareness to curb the spread of the disease.

She said the provincial government is ensuring free diagnostic and treatment facilities at public hospitals, including medicines and PCR tests. Under the DOTS strategy, complete treatment is being provided free of cost at district and tehsil headquarters hospitals, while lady health workers are actively engaged in household-level case detection.

Maryam Nawaz said programmes are also underway to deliver free medicines at patients’ homes for TB, hepatitis and heart diseases, adding that public participation remains key to achieving the goal of eliminating TB.

The chief minister further said that special drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) centres are being established across the province for patients unresponsive to standard treatment. She noted that community health workers, civil society organisations, researchers and private healthcare institutions are playing a supportive role in ensuring timely diagnosis and continuity of care.

Reiterating her government’s resolve, she said the eradication of TB remains a top priority under Punjab’s broader public health agenda.

CM expresses grief over Sialkot road accident

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed grief over the death of five passengers in a collision between a bus and a car in Sialkot.

In a condolence message, she extended sympathies to the bereaved families and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.