Punjab Plans CT Scanners and Telemedicine Centers in Every District
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered a new CT scan machine for each district and telemedicine centers for common and seasonal illnesses. The province also plans to upgrade 300 former rural health centers into full hospitals and recruit 40,000 doctors and allied health staff. Officials reported progress on hiring and approved digital medical boxes for mobile clinics to provide ultrasound, blood sugar, CBC, and ECG tests.
Punjab’s chief minister reviewed healthcare progress via video link. The plan includes CT scanners in each district, telemedicine services for routine and seasonal conditions, and video consultations with referrals when needed. Three hundred former rural health centers are to become full hospitals, alongside a target to hire 40,000 doctors and allied staff. Officials reported some recruitment already completed.
Digital medical boxes were approved for mobile clinics, enabling ultrasound, blood sugar, CBC, and ECG testing in one setup, plus cameras for remote conferencing and smart ultrasound devices. Officials said 911 mobile clinics had treated 30 million patients. Monitoring, quality officers, and private-clinic data linkage were also discussed.
Residents in districts with limited diagnostic and specialist services could benefit from local CT scanning and video consultations, potentially reducing travel and delays. Expanded hospital capacity and recruitment may ease pressure on overcrowded facilities if staffing targets are met. Mobile testing and digital monitoring could support earlier detection and accountability. However, impact may depend on equipment maintenance, trained personnel, and reliable connectivity, so benefits could vary across districts.