Punjab Governor and Chinese consul General inaugurate China-assisted dispensary

Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, accompanied by Chinese Consul General Sun Yan, visited the village of Ratwal in Attock district to inaugurate a newly established dispensary built with the support of the Chinese government. The inauguration ceremony marked another milestone in the long-standing friendship and development cooperation between Pakistan and China, particularly in the healthcare sector.

The event was attended by local government officials, community leaders, residents, and representatives from both Pakistan and China. The newly inaugurated dispensary is expected to provide essential primary healthcare services to the people of Ratwal and surrounding villages, where access to medical facilities has traditionally been limited.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan said that the establishment of the dispensary would significantly improve access to basic healthcare for local residents. He noted that the project reflects the shared commitment of Pakistan and China to improving the well-being of communities through practical development initiatives.

The governor emphasized that many rural communities face challenges in accessing quality medical care due to the shortage of healthcare facilities and long travel distances to major hospitals. He expressed confidence that the new dispensary would help address these challenges by offering timely medical treatment, basic health services, and preventive care closer to people’s homes.

Sardar Saleem Haider Khan also highlighted the historic relationship between Pakistan and China, describing it as a friendship with unique significance and a remarkable history. He stated that the partnership between the two countries has continued to grow stronger over the decades through cooperation in infrastructure, education, healthcare, trade, and economic development.

He added that China has consistently supported Pakistan during times of need and has played an important role in the country’s development through various collaborative projects. According to the governor, initiatives such as the Ratwal dispensary demonstrate that the friendship between the two nations extends beyond economic cooperation and directly benefits ordinary citizens by improving their quality of life.

Chinese Consul General Sun Yan also addressed the gathering and reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with Pakistan. She described the friendship between the two countries as everlasting and famously remarked that it is “higher than the Himalayas,” a phrase often used to symbolize the extraordinary bond shared by Pakistan and China.

The Consul General further stated that China considers Pakistan its second home, reflecting the deep mutual trust and respect that characterize bilateral relations. She emphasized that China values its partnership with Pakistan and will continue to support projects that contribute to the country’s social and economic development.

Sun Yan noted that healthcare cooperation is an important component of the broader partnership between the two nations. She expressed hope that the newly inaugurated dispensary would improve healthcare services for local residents and strengthen people-to-people ties by demonstrating the practical benefits of bilateral cooperation.

Residents of Ratwal welcomed the opening of the dispensary, expressing optimism that the facility would reduce the burden of traveling long distances for routine medical treatment. The project is expected to provide essential healthcare services, including primary medical consultations, basic medicines, and preventive healthcare support, thereby improving the overall health and well-being of the surrounding communities.

The inauguration of the China-assisted dispensary in Ratwal highlights the continued cooperation between Pakistan and China in promoting public welfare. It also reflects the shared commitment of both countries to investing in community development and strengthening their enduring partnership through projects that deliver tangible benefits to the people.