IPH to be made centre of excellence, says Salman

LAHORE: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique announced that the Institute of Public Health (IPH) will be developed into a centre of excellence, aligning with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

He made this statement while chairing a meeting at the IPH on Friday. During the meeting, the minister reviewed measures and ongoing efforts to prevent dangerous diseases.Institute of Public Health (IPH) Dean Prof Saira Afzal and Director CDC Dr Yadullah briefed him on the institute’s performance in disease prevention.

Additionally, officials from the Communication and Works (C&W) Department provided an update on the IPH revamping project.Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasised the importance of focusing on prevention rather than treatment to effectively combat dangerous diseases. He announced the establishment of a telemedicine department at the IPH to enhance healthcare accessibility.

Furthermore, he highlighted plans to increase the institute’s capacity for providing technical assistance in disease prevention and to improve the curriculum of technical courses offered at the IPH.

‘Under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, we are striving to provide the best healthcare facilities to the people of Punjab,’ the minister said. The meeting was attended by Prof Mulazim Hussain Bukhari, Dr Tanveer, faculty members, and other medical experts, who also contributed their insights on advancing the institute’s role in public health.

Meanwhile, Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique assured that reconstruction project of Lady Willingdon Hospital was progressing as planned and would be completed on time. He made this statement during his visit to the hospital here to review the ongoing work. During the visit, Medical Superintendent Dr Saeed Khan, along with officers from the Infrastructure Development Authority of Punjab (IDAP) and the Frontier Works Organisation (FWO), briefed the minister on the project’s progress.

The minister stressed the significance of the hospital as a major healthcare facility for the thousands of residents in Lahore’s walled city. ‘Lady Willingdon Hospital is a critical treatment centre for the densely populated area, and its reconstruction will significantly enhance healthcare services,’ he said. He lauded the efforts of IDAP and FWO officers for their commitment to the project and congratulated them on their performance so far.