LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has granted in-principle approval for the launch of the “Chief Minister Punjab Disease Prevention Programme,” aimed at curbing the spread of major diseases across the province.
The programme will focus on prevention of diabetes, tuberculosis (TB), AIDS and hepatitis while a province-wide public awareness campaign will also be launched to educate citizens about life-threatening illnesses. The decision was taken during a special meeting chaired by the chief minister, where Secretary Health and Population Nadia Saqib gave a detailed briefing. It was decided that a comprehensive awareness drive would be initiated across Punjab, which will be personally led by the chief minister.
The meeting was informed that the campaign would raise public awareness regarding prevention and treatment of deadly diseases. She directed authorities to take necessary measures to control such illnesses and ensure implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in public hospitals, particularly to prevent epidemic and rapidly spreading diseases. She also instructed the Healthcare Commission to monitor implementation of health SOPs in private hospitals and clinics, and ordered strict legal action against quack clinics across the province. The chief minister emphasised that creating public awareness about prevention of fatal and infectious diseases is essential. She added that early recognition of symptoms is crucial, and that patients should be given not only treatment but also hope for life.
