UN Delegation Meets Punjab Health Ministers to Boost School Health Programs

Lahore, Provincial Health Ministers of Punjab, Khawaja Salman Rafiq and Khawaja Imran Nazir, convened with a delegation from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in the Department of Primary and Secondary Health Care to discuss enhancements in health services across the region. The meeting focused particularly on the screening of children in educational institutions, an initiative that has gained significant attention from the provincial government.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the UNOPS delegation, including key figures such as Pascal Bijliard and Dr. Maryam Malik, commended the ongoing health projects initiated by the Punjab government. Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized the provincial administration’s dedication to improving health services, highlighted by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s efforts to prioritize the sector. The meeting also addressed the strategic implementation of health screenings in schools, a project supported by UNOPS, aiming to enhance early detection of visual and auditory impairments among students.

Further discussions led by Secretary Health Punjab Ali Jan Khan revealed plans for expanding medical facilities in public hospitals, focusing on eye care and rehabilitation for differently abled children. Notably, Mr. Pascal Bijward from the CEO Global Alliance for Assistive Technology announced a commitment of five million dollars over the next three years for children’s health screenings in Pakistan. This funding will also cover the provision of glasses and hearing devices during the screening processes.