“Punjab’s Clinics on Wheels initiative, launched by CM Maryam Nawaz, has transformed healthcare delivery by deploying over 900 mobile units, treating 10 million patients. Targeting urban slums and rural areas, these air-conditioned clinics offer free medical services, diagnostics, and health education, bridging gaps in access for underserved communities across all 36 districts.”
Punjab’s Mobile Healthcare Initiative Gains Momentum
In a groundbreaking move to enhance healthcare accessibility, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has spearheaded the Clinics on Wheels program, a transformative initiative that brings medical services directly to the doorsteps of millions. Launched on May 10, 2024, the program initially deployed 245 mobile clinics, which has since expanded to 911 units, including 32 field hospitals, 21 mobile healthcare units, and 11 mobile diagnostic units, operating across all 36 districts of Punjab. These mobile units have already provided free medical care to over 10 million patients, with an average of 45,000 people receiving treatment daily, according to official reports from the Punjab government.
The initiative primarily targets underserved populations, particularly in urban slums and rural areas, where access to healthcare facilities is limited. According to the Punjab Urban Slum Survey by the Punjab Bureau of Statistics, approximately 7.2 million people reside in urban slums, facing challenges like overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation, and limited healthcare access. The Punjab Demographic and Health Survey (2019-2020) further highlights that only 57.2% of slum residents have access to healthcare units, exacerbating health disparities. To address this, the Clinics on Wheels program deploys air-conditioned vehicles equipped with essential medical facilities, including ultrasound machines, diagnostic tools for hepatitis, malaria, diabetes, and hypertension, and staffed by trained doctors, lady health visitors, and medical personnel.
Operating from 9 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Saturday, these mobile clinics offer a comprehensive range of services: treatment for minor ailments, referrals for specialized care, family planning, antenatal and postnatal care, immunizations for children under two, nutritional screening for children under five, and health education sessions. The program also provides free medications and diagnostic tests, reducing the financial burden on low-income families. In a recent development, the second phase of the initiative, inaugurated on June 19, 2025, introduced additional air-conditioned vehicles to enhance service delivery.
The Clinics on Wheels program operates under a Pay-for-Performance model, linking financial incentives for healthcare providers to the quality of care and patient outcomes. This innovative approach ensures accountability and encourages high standards of service. Additionally, the Punjab government has outsourced the management of these mobile units to third-party providers to streamline operations. The initiative complements other healthcare reforms, such as upgrading 150 Basic Health Units (BHUs) into Maryam Nawaz Health Clinics and recruiting over 1,500 doctors through the Punjab Public Service Commission to address workforce shortages.
In rural areas, the program has been a lifeline for communities with limited access to hospitals. The field hospitals, repurposed from containers, offer advanced medical services, including minor surgeries and diagnostic testing. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, during a surprise visit to a field hospital near Murree on July 2, 2025, emphasized the government’s commitment to reducing health inequalities. “Access to healthcare is a basic right, and we will continue to fulfill our responsibilities,” she stated, highlighting the program’s alignment with the Pakistan Muslim League (N)’s manifesto of serving humanity.
The initiative has also integrated specialized services, such as insulin distribution for diabetic patients and dialysis cards for those with kidney issues, addressing chronic conditions that disproportionately affect underserved populations. Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir noted that data collected from screenings will be analyzed to improve patient care, ensuring targeted treatments. The program’s expansion plans include establishing modern cardiology centers in eight cities, including Mianwali, Gujranwala, and Sialkot, to further strengthen Punjab’s healthcare infrastructure.
Public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents describing the initiative as a “game-changer” for accessing timely medical care. The Clinics on Wheels program not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also promotes preventive care through community engagement and health education, fostering sustainable health practices across Punjab.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from official Punjab government sources, news reports, and web data available as of July 3, 2025. The data and statistics are sourced from credible platforms, including the Punjab Health Department and media outlets like The Express Tribune. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.