Punjab hospitals are set to receive major improvements after Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved a new healthcare initiative for overseas and foreign doctors.
The new programme is called the Diaspora Doctor Locum Programme (DDLP). It aims to bring skilled international specialists to Punjab hospitals for advanced surgeries and medical care.
The decision was made during a special meeting of the Specialised Healthcare Department in Lahore. Officials said the programme will begin soon with a dedicated online portal and digital dashboard.
Under the DDLP, overseas Pakistani and foreign doctors will work in 12 public sector Punjab hospitals on short-term assignments. These specialists will perform advanced procedures and help improve patient care.
The government said each doctor can carry out up to eight advanced surgeries during their stay. This move is expected to strengthen healthcare services in Punjab hospitals.
Doctors joining the programme must meet strict eligibility conditions. They need specialist qualifications, overseas fellowship experience of at least three years, and a valid fitness certificate.
Participating doctors must serve for at least 15 days. The online portal will manage registration, verification, appointments, payments, and reporting.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said bringing top medical talent to Punjab hospitals is part of her vision for better healthcare. She added that foreign specialists and nurses will receive attractive packages.
The meeting also discussed new medical projects in the province. Officials said the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha will open on July 15.
The Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research is expected to open on July 31, 2026. Meanwhile, the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore will likely open on August 15.
Recruitment for the Jinnah Institute is expected to finish by July 10. The chief minister reviewed progress on all projects and praised the healthcare department for its efforts.
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The new programme and hospital expansions reflect Punjab’s growing focus on modern healthcare and better treatment facilities for the public.
