Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the Punjab government was delivering free medicines to Tuberculosis (TB)patients at their doorsteps across the province as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate the disease.
In her message on World TB Day, she expressed her commitment to eradicating tuberculosis, stressing that its elimination was vital for ensuring a healthy Punjab. She highlighted that early diagnosis and effective treatment can save lives and called for enhanced public awareness about the disease.
The chief minister said the government was providing free diagnostic and treatment facilities, including medicines and PCR tests, at public hospitals. Under the DOTS strategy, complete treatment was being ensured free of charge at district and tehsil hospitals, while lady health workers are actively engaged in identifying cases at the household level.
She added that program were underway to deliver free medicines at home for patients suffering from TB, hepatitis, and heart diseases, noting that public cooperation was essential to achieve the goal of eliminating TB.
CM Maryam Nawaz said special centers were being established for drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) patients who did not respond to standard treatment. She acknowledged the role of community health workers, civil society organizations, researchers and private healthcare institutions in supporting timely diagnosis and continuity of care.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, she said the eradication of TB remained a key priority under Punjab’s broader public health agenda.
Separately, Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday expressed deep grief over the death of five passengers in a collision between a bus and a car in Sialkot.
She extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls.
The chief minister also directed the authorities concerned to ensure the provision of the best possible medical treatment to the injured passengers, emphasizing that no effort should be spared in their care.