Punjab Extends Clinic on Wheels Program to Gilgit‑Baltistan

Mobile Clinics Bring Healthcare to Remote Gilgit‑Baltistan

The Punjab government has taken a significant step in expanding healthcare access by sending six “Clinic on Wheels” mobile health units to Gilgit‑Baltistan. These mobile clinics are fully equipped with essential medicines and staffed to provide primary healthcare services directly to underserved communities.

Official Announcement

Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir confirmed the dispatch of the units, describing them as a gift from Punjab to Gilgit‑Baltistan. He emphasized that the initiative reflects Punjab’s commitment to extending public health services beyond its provincial boundaries.

Maryam Nawaz’s Vision

The minister highlighted that Maryam Nawaz is dedicated to serving people across Kashmir, Gilgit‑Baltistan, and the rest of Pakistan, underscoring a broader vision of inclusive healthcare. The expansion was made in response to repeated public demand for mobile health services in other provinces and regions.

Program Goals

• Deliver basic medical facilities at citizens’ doorsteps.
• Strengthen primary healthcare access in remote and hard‑to‑reach areas.
• Provide essential medicines and treatment through mobile units.
• Support healthcare equity across Pakistan.

Wider Impact

Officials noted that the initiative is part of a nationwide effort to improve medical outreach and ensure that even the most isolated communities receive timely care. By extending the program to Gilgit‑Baltistan, the Punjab government aims to set a precedent for inter‑provincial cooperation in healthcare delivery.

Why It Matters

Gilgit‑Baltistan’s mountainous terrain often limits access to hospitals and clinics. Mobile health units can bridge this gap, offering life‑saving services to communities that otherwise face long journeys for basic treatment. This expansion demonstrates how innovative healthcare delivery models can transform access in rural Pakistan.