At the 2025 National Research and Innovation Conference held at King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique announced an ambitious plan to transform Punjab into a global hub of healthcare innovation.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial government is rolling out a series of groundbreaking initiatives:
- Smart Hospitals & Telemedicine: Digitally integrated facilities and remote care services to expand access across urban and rural areas.
- AI-Powered Medical Education: Artificial intelligence is being embedded into undergraduate medical curricula, with new AI and research labs established in medical colleges.
- Evidence-Based Practices: Emphasis on data-driven clinical decision-making to improve patient outcomes.
The minister also highlighted several flagship programs:
- Children’s Heart Surgery Programme
- Dialysis & Transplant Initiatives
- Clinic on Wheels & Field Hospitals
- Nawaz Sharif Institutes for Cancer and Cardiology in Lahore and Sargodha
The conference drew praise from academic leaders, including Prof Mahmood Ayaz (KEMU) and Prof Khalid Masood Gondal (Fatima Jinnah Medical University), who lauded Punjab’s medical graduates for their global contributions.
In a symbolic gesture, Khawaja Salman distributed gold medals, cash prizes, and certificates to outstanding students, while touring medical innovation stalls and applauding student-led projects.
This visionary roadmap signals Punjab’s intent to lead the region in healthcare modernization, blending technology, education, and public service.