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LAHORE, Jan 30 (APP):Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that better care of newborns guarantees a healthy future for any society, stressing that maternal and neonatal health is not only a medical responsibility but also a moral duty and a national priority.
He was speaking as a special guest at the two-day Annual International Neonatal Conference 2026 held at a local hotel on Friday.
Addressing the conference, the provincial health minister said it was an honor to participate in such an important medical forum focused on neonatology, a field dedicated to protecting the earliest stages of human life. He congratulated the University of Child Health Sciences and the Neonatal Group of the Pakistan Pediatric Association on successfully organizing the conference.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said the true strength of any nation is reflected in the health of its mothers and newborns. Although progress has been made, neonatal mortality remains a serious challenge in many countries, including Pakistan. He said that under the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial government is strengthening the maternal and child health sector on a priority basis.
He highlighted several flagship initiatives, including the Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Program led by Professor Masood Sadiq, kidney and liver treatment programs, bone marrow transplants, cochlear implants, corneal transplants and stroke management programs. He added that a phased program to launch neurology services for adults and children in every district has also recently been initiated.
The minister emphasized that neonatal-related problems are treatable with timely and evidence-based medical care, underscoring the importance of such conferences for knowledge-sharing, improving treatment standards and formulating effective health policies. He said expanding neonatal ICUs (NICUs) and strengthening maternal and newborn health facilities in government hospitals remain top priorities of the Punjab government.
He further informed that the establishment of a 400-bed Children’s Hospital in Rawalpindi, a 1,000-bed Children’s Hospital-II in the Medical District Lahore, a Children’s Hospital in Bahawalpur under the upcoming Annual Development Program (ADP), and children’s hospitals in each divisional headquarters are among the government’s key priorities. Support for second fellowship programs under the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department to enhance training of doctors and nurses is also being ensured.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said promoting data-based decision-making through research and surveillance is a top priority, adding that neonatal ICUs are being equipped with modern medical equipment and trained staff to further reduce newborn mortality. He welcomed the participation of international experts, noting that such conferences provide valuable exposure to modern research and global medical trends.
At the conclusion of the conference, the provincial health minister met with medical experts and distributed commemorative shields. He assured that the Punjab government would continue to provide all possible resources to ensure a healthy start for the next generation.
Vice Chancellor University of Child Health Sciences Professor Masood Sadiq thanked the provincial health minister for attending the conference and said that his guidance and support have always been instrumental. He emphasized that transportation and timely access to healthcare are crucial for ensuring the health of mothers and newborns.
The conference was attended by Vice Chancellor Professor Masood Sadiq, Professor Sajid Maqbool, MD Children’s Hospital Lahore Professor Tipu Sultan, Professor Farah Haroon, Professor Khawaja Irfan Waheed, UNICEF Pakistan representatives, Professor Hina Ayesha, Professor Syed Rehan Ali, Professor Kaleem Malhi, Professor Tahir Masood, faculty members, and a large number of national and international pediatricians, neonatologists, professors and medical professionals.