CM Maryam launches Punjab Health Connect to bring global specialists to public hospitals

• Overseas Pakistani and foreign doctors to provide free specialised treatment across Punjab

• CM vows to transform government hospitals in line with international healthcare standards

• Lahore administration, WASA launch swift rainwater drainage operation after heavy downpour

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday launched the Punjab Health Connect Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of healthcare services across the province by bringing internationally renowned medical expertise to government hospitals and strengthening the public health system through global collaboration.

Under the programme, leading overseas Pakistani and foreign specialist doctors and surgeons will provide free medical treatment in government hospitals across Punjab. Launched on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the initiative seeks to improve access to specialised healthcare while reinforcing the provincial healthcare system through international medical partnerships.

In addition to offering advanced medical treatment, the visiting specialists will train local doctors, surgeons and healthcare professionals in modern clinical practices and advanced medical techniques, helping strengthen institutional capacity and promote the transfer of knowledge and expertise across Punjab's public health sector.

CM Maryam Nawaz said providing healthcare services of international standards in government hospitals across Punjab remains one of her government's foremost priorities and a firm commitment to the people of the province.

She said the provincial healthcare system was undergoing comprehensive reforms in line with global standards, adding that the Punjab Health Connect Programme would play a pivotal role in modernising healthcare delivery and expanding access to specialised treatment.

The chief minister further said the initiative would help address the shortage of specialist doctors in government hospitals by bringing internationally experienced medical professionals to Punjab, enabling patients to benefit from world-class expertise without additional financial burden.

Administration, WASA launch swift rain response operation

Meanwhile, acting on the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the Lahore administration, led by the commissioner, deputy commissioner and the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), launched an immediate response operation following heavy rainfall in the provincial capital to ensure uninterrupted traffic flow and public convenience.

The administration carried out an extensive drainage campaign, ensuring the prompt removal of accumulated rainwater from major roads and low-lying areas. As a result, normal traffic flow was restored in several parts of the city within a short period after the downpour.

According to officials, Moriya Pul, Baghicha Camp, Allah Hoo Chowk and High Court Road were cleared of rainwater and made fully operational soon after the rainfall.

Emergency drainage operations were also conducted at Kachi Kothi, The Mall, Nabha Road and Liberty Chowk, while rainwater was swiftly removed from Nakhuda Chowk, Qurtaba Chowk, Qainchi Stop, Sheranwala Gate and several other key roads across Lahore.

Deputy Commissioner Lahore personally supervised drainage operations on Ravi Road and in other affected localities to ensure the timely disposal of rainwater, minimise public inconvenience and keep traffic moving smoothly across the city.