Foreign specialists to provide treatment in Punjab hospitals

LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the Diaspora Doctor Locum Programme (DDLP) under which overseas Pakistani and foreign specialist doctors will perform advanced surgeries and provide medical services in 12 public sector hospitals across the province. Chairing a special meeting of the Specialised Healthcare Department, the CM approved the launch of the programme aimed at bringing highly qualified international medical professionals to Punjab. A dedicated dashboard and operational web portal will also be established for the programme. Under the DDLP, experienced and reputable Pakistani and foreign specialist doctors would be engaged for short-term assignments in Punjab’s public hospitals. Overseas specialists participating in the programme would be allowed to perform up to eight advanced surgical procedures during their tenure. Overseas Pakistanis and foreign nationals possessing specialist qualifications will be eligible to participate. Eligibility criteria includes postgraduate qualifications, at least three years of overseas fellowship experience, and a valid fitness certificate. Participating doctors will be required to serve in Punjab for a minimum of 15 days. The programme’s online portal will facilitate registration, credential verification, commitments, appointment procedures, payment mechanisms, and reporting systems. The CM was also presented with the DDLP dashboard, which is expected to become operational shortly. She directed the authorities to establish a comprehensive web portal to ensure transparency and efficiency. Furthermore, the meeting was told that foreign specialists participating in the programme would also train local healthcare professionals. The CM directed the launch of a similar initiative for the nursing sector. “Bringing the best human resources to Punjab is my mission,” Maryam Nawaz said, adding that foreign specialist doctors and nurses would be offered attractive packages. She stressed that hospital directors must be hig