Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique met a delegation, led by Philip Ramos, Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly, here on Sunday, to discuss a potential agreement aimed at enhancing the nursing sector in Pakistan. The discussion took place in the presence of Special Secretary Raja Mansoor and Additional Technical Secretary Dr. Hafiz Shahid Latif, who outlined the priorities of the Health Department. The minister welcomed the delegation, expressing his commitment to improving healthcare under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Nursing is the backbone of the health system, he emphasised. He highlighted the Punjab government’s efforts to upgrade all Nursing Schools to Nursing Colleges and mentioned the significant budget allocation for health. He also praised the international reputation of Punjabs trained nurses. Deputy Speaker Ramos commended the Punjab government’s initiatives in nursing and expressed interest in formalizing an agreement to support the sectors development. The meeting was attended by key officials including Additional DG Nursing Farzana, and members of the New York State Assembly of Pakistan delegation, such as Angela Ramos, Alice Brooke, and several other dignitaries. The agreement aims to enhance nursing education, training, and healthcare services, reflecting a commitment to strengthening ties between Pakistan and the United States. Moreover, Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has announced that Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) camps have been established in various areas to manage monsoon-related issues. He held a meeting on Sunday with WASA officials to discuss strategies.
