Punjab CM greenlights sweeping disease prevention drive

• Maryam Nawaz approves province-wide plan targeting diabetes, TB, AIDS, hepatitis

• Says to personally lead mass awareness campaign, directing crackdown on quack clinics, with strict SOP enforcement in public, private hospitals

• Govt expands IT push, partners with Google for 100,000+ student certifications

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has granted in-principle approval for the launch of the “Chief Minister Punjab Disease Prevention Programme,” a province-wide initiative aimed at curbing the spread of major diseases and strengthening preventive healthcare.

The programme will focus on the prevention of diabetes, tuberculosis (TB), AIDS and hepatitis, alongside an extensive public awareness campaign to educate citizens about life-threatening illnesses and early intervention.

The decision was taken at a special meeting chaired by the chief minister, where Secretary Health and Population Nadia Saqib delivered a detailed briefing. It was agreed that a comprehensive awareness drive would be rolled out across Punjab under the chief minister’s direct supervision, underscoring the government’s emphasis on proactive health governance.

Officials informed the meeting that the campaign would highlight both prevention and treatment of deadly diseases. The chief minister directed authorities to take concrete steps to control such illnesses and ensure strict implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in public hospitals, particularly to contain epidemic and fast-spreading infections.

She also instructed the Healthcare Commission to intensify oversight of SOP compliance in private hospitals and clinics, ordering strict legal action against quack medical practices across the province.

Emphasising the importance of public awareness, the chief minister said prevention of fatal and infectious diseases hinges on timely education and early diagnosis. She stressed that patients must be provided not only treatment but also reassurance and hope.

CM underscores youth creativity as driver of progress

In a related development, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said creative thinking is essential for human development, effective problem-solving and building a better future, adding that the innovative potential of youth is central to societal progress.

In her message on World Creativity and Innovation Day, she said the occasion serves as a reminder to broaden perspectives and embrace new ideas. She highlighted the importance of collaboration, noting that listening to diverse viewpoints and promoting teamwork are key to fostering innovation.

The chief minister observed that the integration of technology and innovation in development projects and education is now indispensable. “Transforming the world does not require vast resources, but great ideas,” she remarked, pointing out that Pakistani youth are making notable strides in e-commerce and artificial intelligence.

Highlighting government initiatives, she said the Punjab government is actively promoting information technology, artificial intelligence and modern digital skills. She announced that the province’s first Nawaz Sharif IT City will be established in Lahore.

She further noted that, in collaboration with Google, free certification courses have been launched for over 100,000 students, alongside practical steps to expand IT training across the province.

The chief minister added that smart IT solutions are being introduced in healthcare and other public sectors. She said the rollout of electric buses marks a shift toward innovation in transport, while a proposed fast train service between Lahore and Rawalpindi, along with new local train routes, aims to modernise travel infrastructure.

CM pays tribute to Iqbal’s enduring legacy

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to Allama Muhammad Iqbal on his death anniversary, acknowledging his profound intellectual and political contributions.

She said that although Iqbal is no longer physically present, his wisdom and philosophy continue to resonate deeply among the people. She noted that he not only anticipated future challenges facing Muslims but also imparted the enduring concept of “Khudi” (selfhood).

The chief minister described Iqbal as unparalleled in intellectual and philosophical depth, adding that the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah formed the foundation of his poetry.

She further said that Iqbal had envisioned unity within the Muslim Ummah decades ago and stressed the importance of revisiting and implementing the ideas embedded in his work.

Maryam Nawaz also noted that Iqbal had highlighted the urgency of resolving the Palestine issue and had drawn attention to the oppression faced by Palestinians.