LAHORE, Jun 19 (APP):Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique on Friday announced that nursing universities would be established in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan to strengthen nursing education and enhance the quality of healthcare services across the province. He made the announcement while addressing a World Play Day event organised at the University of Child Health Sciences (UCHS) as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, the health minister said it …
Punjab to establish nursing universities in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan: minister
LAHORE, Jun 19 (APP):Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique on Friday announced that nursing universities would be established in Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan to strengthen nursing education and enhance the quality of healthcare services across the province.
He made the announcement while addressing a World Play Day event organised at the University of Child Health Sciences (UCHS) as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the health minister said it was encouraging to see children participating in creative and educational activities. He appreciated the colorful stalls and the enthusiasm displayed by young participants during the event.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said the Punjab government had increased the intake of nurses from 3,000 to 6,000 and upgraded nursing colleges across the province. He added that modern equipment had been provided in nursing laboratories and efforts were underway to train nurses according to contemporary international standards.
He said Pakistani nurses were highly regarded and in demand around the world due to their professional skills and dedication. The minister emphasized that the dignity and respect of doctors and nurses remained a top priority for the government.
Paying tribute to healthcare professionals, he said doctors and nurses rendered invaluable services by treating thousands of patients visiting hospitals every day. He added that the government acknowledged and appreciated their commitment to public health.
The minister further announced that 450 additional medical seats would be introduced next year. He said specialized centers were being established at the district level, while special training programs for nurses, including courses in stroke management, were also being launched.
Highlighting healthcare reforms, Khawaja Salman Rafique said the government was introducing digitalization and paperless systems in public hospitals to improve nursing services and patient care. He added that billions of rupees had been allocated for health sector development projects aimed at enhancing the capacity of nursing colleges, training centers and hospitals.
Member Punjab Assembly Adnan Chatha said the nursing profession was the backbone of the healthcare system and no modern health setup in the world could function effectively without nurses. Member Punjab Assembly Ishrat Ashraf said serving humanity was both a religious and social responsibility, adding that the nursing sector occupied a vital place in the healthcare system.
Earlier, the health minister visited various stalls set up by children and appreciated the models prepared by them. The children also presented their handmade models to the guests.
Vice Chancellor UCHS Prof. Dr. Masood Sadiq, Medical Director Children’s Hospital Prof. Dr. Tipu Sultan, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Junaid Rashid and faculty members were also present on the occasion
