By Mustafa Ali
LAHORE:On the occasion of World Health Day, Inspector General of Police Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar said that only a healthy police force can better protect the country and combat criminal and anti-state elements. He emphasized that under the “Healthy Punjab” vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, providing the best healthcare facilities to the police force and their families remains a continuous mission. Punjab Police is the only provincial department where health screenings have been conducted for 225,000 officers and personnel.Dr. Usman Anwar further mentioned that Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) have been signed with top hospitals to provide free and subsidized healthcare services to police personnel and their families. This year, over PKR 94.9 million has been spent on the treatment of police officers and their families suffering from serious illnesses. More than PKR 70 million has been allocated for the treatment of children with mental disabilities and other diseases. Under the “Hamaray Phool” project, free cochlear implant surgeries have been performed for 34 children of police employees who are hearing impaired, with over PKR 60 million spent on these surgeries. Monthly financial assistance is being provided to children of police personnel affected by thalassemia (PKR 15,000 per child) and cerebral palsy (PKR 10,000 per child). Additionally, millions of rupees are being allocated for the treatment of brave officers severely injured in the line of duty. For officers suffering from kidney and liver diseases, state-of-the-art treatment facilities have been provided at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute (PKLI). Police personnel and their families battling cancer are receiving treatment at the most advanced cancer care hospitals in Punjab. Hepatitis B vaccinations are being provided to police personnel, and those suffering from Hepatitis C are receiving necessary treatment. Psychological profiling and mental health recovery programs for police personnel are also in place. Free healthcare services are being provided to the families of police martyrs at all government and private hospitals. Police service counters in hospitals are offering various services, including medico-legal certificates. IG Punjab assured that, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, efforts to ensure the best healthcare for police personnel and their families will continue.
