Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has inaugurated the Social Security Mobile Health Programme to deliver medical services to industrial workers at their workplaces and eligible family members near their homes. The first phase covers Lahore, Kasur and Sheikhupura, with the Punjab government stating that services are being extended to around 30,000 factories and industrial units in the Lahore region. The programme comprises 65 healthcare units, including 10 mobile hospitals, five mobile clinics, dedicated dental and cardiac units, 40 motorcycles and 10 scooters. Mobile hospitals offer medical examinations, laboratory testing, X-rays, ultrasound and medicines, while specialised units provide dental treatment and initial cardiac screening and consultation. Motorcycle and scooter teams will deliver basic medical assistance, first aid, essential medicines and health awareness services. Official figures say the first phase is intended to serve more than 4.6 million industrial workers and their families across the three districts. Field operations, routes and service activity will be monitored in real time through a digital hub at the Punjab Employees Social Security Institution headquarters. The government has set a target to extend the programme to 12 additional districts and cities by March 2027. The services are aimed at workers and families covered through the social security system. PESSI’s official eligibility guidance states that workers registered with the institution and issued an R-5 Social Security Card qualify for its medical treatment, meaning the programme should not be presented as universal free healthcare for every resident.
