Punjab launches programme to bring overseas specialists to public hospitals

In a critical move to tackle the chronic shortage of medical specialists, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has greenlit the 'Diaspora Doctor Locum Programme' (DDLP), an initiative set to inject much-needed international expertise into the province's public hospitals. The program, approved on Thursday, will bring overseas Pakistani and foreign specialist doctors for short-term assignments to perform advanced surgeries and provide treatments in 12 selected public sector hospitals across Punjab. This initiative directly confronts Pakistan severe 'brain drain,' where thousands of highly skilled medical professionals emigrate annually, leaving the national healthcare system stretched thin. As recently as 2025, nearly 4,000 doctors left Pakistan, with reports indicating up to 60 percent of Pakistani doctors planning to move abroad due to low pay, poor conditions, and limited infrastructure. This new program also complements broader healthcare reforms under Maryam Nawaz Sharif leadership, including the upcoming inaugurations of major facilities like the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology, Sargodha, on July 15, and the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research on July 31. Looking ahead, the DDLP will establish a dedicated online portal for seamless registration, credential verification, and payment, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Beyond immediate patient care, these visiting specialists are mandated to train local healthcare professionals, fostering long-term capacity building. Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also directed the launch of a similar initiative for the nursing sector, promising attractive packages to draw top human resources to Punjab public health system. The success of this program will be crucial in mitigating the ongoing crisis and transforming public healthcare delivery in the province.