WB mission assesses healthcare reforms

LAHORE:In a significant step toward strengthening primary healthcare in Punjab, the World Bank’s Implementation Support Mission for the National Health Support Programme (NHSP) Punjab convened a special session to assess ongoing progress, reaffirm strategic priorities, and finalise the Programme’s Restructuring Paper.

The World Bank (WB) mission is focused on accelerating reforms to improve access, equity, and the overall quality of healthcare services across the province. The meeting, chaired by Dr Jahanzeb Hussain Labar, Additional Secretary (Vertical Programmes)/Project Director NHSP, brought together the representatives of NHSP and aligned programme and WB experts to review progress on Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs 1–11), assess environmental and social safeguards - including the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) - evaluate procurement and financial performance, and chart the next steps for NHSP’s restructuring.

While presiding over the session, the PD NHSP informed the WB Mission that essential inputs for establishing Level-I Newborn Nursery Care units at 44 RHCs - one in each district - have been formally notified. These units will be operational in the ongoing year. The initiative aims to reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality by providing timely care in rural and unprivileged areas. An integrated Referral Management System has been developed to connect Primary Healthcare (PHC) facilities with higher-level health institutions. Additionally, a feedback mechanism for Emergency Medical Records (EMR) will soon be implemented across Punjab to strengthen continuity of care. Dr Jahanzeb also provided a detailed briefing on the establishment of integrated TB screening clinics at Rural Health Centers (RHCs), aimed at enhancing early detection and improving access to diagnostic services.