Punjab to host foreign specialists under new healthcare programme

Under the programme, participating doctors will serve for at least 15 days and may perform up to eight advanced surgical procedures during their tenure.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the Diaspora Doctor Locum Programme (DDLP), enabling overseas Pakistani and foreign specialist doctors to perform advanced surgeries and provide medical services in 12 public sector hospitals across Punjab.

Chairing a meeting of the Specialised Healthcare Department, she said the initiative will bring highly qualified international professionals to strengthen healthcare delivery. A dedicated dashboard and web portal will manage registration, credential verification, appointments, payments and reporting.

Under the programme, participating doctors will serve for at least 15 days and may perform up to eight advanced surgical procedures during their tenure. Eligibility requires postgraduate qualifications, three years of overseas fellowship experience and a valid fitness certificate.

Foreign specialists will also train local healthcare professionals, while a similar initiative for the nursing sector is planned. “Bringing the best human resources to Punjab is my mission,” Maryam Nawaz said, adding that attractive packages will be offered to doctors and nurses.

The meeting also reviewed upcoming hospital inaugurations. The Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha will open on July 15, the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research on July 31, and the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore on August 15. Recruitment for the Lahore institute is expected to finish by July 10.

Maryam Nawaz praised the healthcare and IDAP teams for their efforts, stressing that efficient hospital management and quality nursing care are vital to transforming healthcare outcomes in Punjab.