Maryam opens phase-II of Clinic-on-Wheels project

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the Clinic-on-Wheels Phase-II project here on Thursday.

Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir briefed attendees, revealing that a total of 911 mobile clinics will now be operational across Punjab, including nine units dedicated to the tribal areas of Dera Ghazi Khan. These mobile clinics have already served over 10 million patients since the project’s inception and have contributed to boosting vaccination rates to over 90 per cent.

“It was always my dream to provide quality healthcare to the poor at their doorstep,” said CM Maryam. “This project is a continuation of the public service vision of Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. In contrast, the people of Punjab were neglected over the past four years, with even cancer patients denied essential medicines.”

She highlighted that under the project, medicines for diseases like cancer, hepatitis and diabetes are now being delivered directly to patients homes. “This is a real revolution in healthcare access,” she added. “No more standing in long queues or taking time off work — healthcare is reaching people where they live.”

She noted that the earlier 245 vans had already received positive public feedback, and the upgraded vehicles in Phase-II are now air-conditioned for better patient comfort. The mobile clinics function as field hospitals, offering maternal and pediatric care, diagnostic services, and minor procedures. She stressed the importance of targeting malnutrition in children in south Punjab and announced that the vehicles would be digitally tracked to prevent misuse.

Currently, about 45,000 people are receiving free treatment daily through field hospitals and mobile clinics. The chief minister announced that Rs100 billion has been earmarked in the upcoming Punjab budget for health services and free medicine provision.