Govt establishing new medical colleges, hospitals and specialised units: health minister

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th May, 2026) Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has said that new medical colleges, children’s hospitals, heart hospitals and burn units are being established in different cities of Punjab to further strengthen the healthcare system.

He made these remarks while addressing the 17th Convocation of the University of Lahore as a special guest on Saturday.

The minister said it was an honour for him to attend the convocation of the College of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Lahore, and congratulated graduating medical, dental and postgraduate students on their achievement. He said the day marked a milestone in their lives and acknowledged the hard work, dedication and prayers of parents and teachers behind their success.

He reminded the graduates that medicine is not just a profession but a sacred responsibility, adding that the white coat symbolizes compassion, integrity, kindness and service to humanity. He urged young doctors to treat patients with respect and empathy, continue learning throughout their careers, and strictly follow medical ethics. Citing the Holy Quran, he said that saving one life is equivalent to saving all of humanity, reflecting the true spirit of the medical profession.

The health minister said the Punjab government had launched several major health initiatives, including the Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Program, Kidney and Liver Transplant Program, Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Cochlear Implant Program, Corneal Transplant Program, Adult Cardiac Surgery services, cancer treatment in government and notified private hospitals, Stroke Management Program, and free dialysis services across public and private hospitals in the province.

<?php /*?> <?php */?>

He added that under the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, University of Lahore Teaching Hospital was also providing significant healthcare services under various special initiatives, benefiting thousands of patients. He said more than 51,000 patients had received treatment at the hospital under different programs, while 603 children underwent heart surgeries under the Punjab government-funded Pediatric Heart Surgery Program. He said the total expenditure on these initiatives was around two billion rupees, reflecting the hospital’s strong role in delivering quality healthcare.

He further said that the University College of Medicine and Dentistry had completed 25 years of excellence in medical education, producing skilled doctors, dentists, researchers and teachers serving in Pakistan and abroad. He also appreciated the institution’s support for Palestinian and other international students, calling it a reflection of humanity, brotherhood and compassion.

Paying tribute, he acknowledged the services of the late MA Rauf Sahib, calling him a visionary leader who devoted his life to humanitarian service and national development.

The ceremony was attended by Chairman board of Governors Owais Rauf, Deputy Chairman Uzair Rauf, Professor Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Rector Professor Dr. Mehwish Urooj, Principal University College of Medicine and Dentistry Dr. Zahid Pervez, Medical Superintendent University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Qari Sadaqat, Vice Chancellor Faisalabad Medical University Professor Zafar Chaudhry, Principal Allama Iqbal Medical College Professor Dr. Tayyaba Waseem, vice chancellors, principals of various institutions, faculty members, parents and a large number of graduating students.