Maryam launches ‘Clinics-on-Boats’ service for flood victims

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has introduced an innovative initiative titled “Clinics-on-Boats” to deliver medical treatment to people affected by floods across the province. Acting on her directions, the health department has deployed medical teams on boats in flood-hit regions, ensuring that thousands of displaced citizens, especially women and children, receive immediate healthcare.

Medical Relief in Flood-Affected Areas

The chief minister reaffirmed her government’s commitment to providing historic health services during what she described as the largest flood disaster in Punjab’s history. She said a comprehensive programme had been launched to restore and strengthen healthcare access for women and children in affected districts.

Officials briefed her that:

• 968 medical relief camps have been established across flood-hit areas.
• Each camp has been equipped with essential medicines, sanitary kits, and multivitamins.
• Specialist doctors are visiting camps daily to provide medical services for children.
• Routine vaccination of newborns is being carried out on priority.

To support women, doctors are conducting check-ups for pregnant women, while a 24/7 rural ambulance service has been stationed to transfer patients to the Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic or nearby hospitals.

Tackling Disease Outbreaks

With stagnant floodwaters raising the risk of epidemics, the government has made special arrangements for treating insect bites, skin infections, cholera, malaria, and stomach diseases. Adequate stocks of ORS, antibiotics, and life-saving medicines have been supplied to all camps to prevent outbreaks.

Visit to Lahore Flood Relief Camps

During her visit to the Chuhng flood relief camp, Maryam Nawaz interacted with displaced families and offered reassurance. She was informed that:

• 4,891 villages in Lahore had been affected by flood torrents.
• 36,658 people and 13,621 cattle had been evacuated and shifted to safer locations.
• Relief measures include 7 flood relief camps, 17 medical camps, and 9 livestock camps established in Lahore district.

Price Stabilisation Measures

At a high-level meeting, the chief minister also announced strict measures to stabilise wheat, flour, and bread prices, warning that profiteering in the wake of the floods would not be tolerated.

Key directives included:

• Ban on wheat use in feed mills through the imposition of Section 144.
• Granting special powers to PERA’s SDOs to curb wheat hoarding.
• Mobilisation of price control magistrates to take immediate action against violators.

Maryam Nawaz made it clear that:

• The price of a 20-kg flour bag must not exceed Rs1,810.
• The price of bread must remain at Rs14.
• Hoarders and those attempting to manipulate prices under the guise of floods would face the strictest legal action.

Commitment to Relief and Stability

Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the provincial government is working tirelessly to provide timely medical relief, food security, and economic stability to millions of flood-affected citizens. She reiterated her resolve that healthcare, food supplies, and price stability remain top priorities during the crisis.