Maryam Nawaz spearheads healthcare reform in Punjab

Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz is leading efforts to improve the healthcare system in the province, particularly focusing on enhancing services in government hospitals. One of her key initiatives includes making healthcare more accessible to the underprivileged by providing free medications and introducing air-ambulance services.

In a recent meeting with health authorities, the Chief Minister set a deadline for improving conditions in government hospitals and approved a program to eliminate counterfeit drugs from Punjab. Counterfeit drugs have been a significant issue in Pakistan, with over 3000 factories producing substandard medicines, leading to serious health risks.

Despite regulatory efforts by authorities like the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), corruption remains a major obstacle in combating the production and distribution of counterfeit drugs. This corruption extends to regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies, hindering effective measures against fake medications.

Alongside counterfeit drugs, the adulteration of food items, such as chemically produced milk, poses a threat to public health. The prevalence of corruption at all levels of society perpetuates these illicit activities, compromising the well-being of the population.

To address these challenges, a concerted effort is needed to combat corruption, strengthen regulatory oversight, and prioritize public health. It is crucial for the government to fulfill its duty in safeguarding the health of its citizens and taking decisive actions against the proliferation of counterfeit drugs.

Ensuring the availability of safe and effective healthcare services is essential for the well-being of the population. By tackling issues like counterfeit drugs and food adulteration through stringent regulatory measures and anti-corruption efforts, Punjab can make significant strides towards improving public health and safety.