LAHORE, Jan 30: Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized the significance of improved newborn care in securing a healthy future, urging that maternal and neonatal health is not only a medical obligation but also a national and moral duty.
The minister spoke at the two-day Annual International Neonatal Conference 2026, hosted at a local hotel on Friday. Addressing attendees, he expressed his honor in participating in such a crucial medical forum focused on neonatology, which is dedicated to the protection of the earliest stages of human life. He also congratulated the University of Child Health Sciences and the Neonatal Group of the Pakistan Pediatric Association for organizing the event successfully.
Khawaja Salman Rafique stated that the true strength of a nation is mirrored in the health of its mothers and newborns. While progress has been made, neonatal mortality remains a grave challenge in many countries, including Pakistan. He highlighted that, under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the government is making maternal and child health a priority.
He outlined several key initiatives, such as the Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Program led by Professor Masood Sadiq, as well as programs for kidney and liver treatments, bone marrow transplants, cochlear implants, corneal transplants, and stroke management. Additionally, a phased rollout of neurology services for adults and children is underway in every district.
The minister emphasized the treatable nature of neonatal-related issues with timely, evidence-based care, and stressed the importance of conferences for sharing knowledge, improving treatment standards, and crafting effective health policies. Expanding neonatal ICU facilities and enhancing maternal and newborn health resources in government hospitals are top priorities for the Punjab government.
He announced the construction of a 400-bed Children’s Hospital in Rawalpindi, a 1,000-bed Children’s Hospital-II in Lahore’s Medical District, a Children’s Hospital in Bahawalpur, and additional hospitals at divisional headquarters as part of key government priorities. The government also supports fellowship programs under the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department to improve doctor and nurse training.
Khawaja Salman Rafique highlighted the support for data-driven decision-making through research and surveillance, mentioning the equipping of neonatal ICUs with modern technology and skilled staff to further decrease newborn mortality. He welcomed international experts, noting the value of exposure to global research and medical trends.
Concluding the conference, the minister engaged with medical experts and distributed commemorative shields, affirming the Punjab government’s commitment to providing resources for a healthy start for the next generation.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Child Health Sciences, Professor Masood Sadiq, expressed gratitude for the minister’s attendance, stressing that his ongoing guidance and support have been vital. He highlighted the need for efficient transportation and timely healthcare access to ensure maternal and newborn health.
The event saw the participation of Vice Chancellor Professor Masood Sadiq, Professor Sajid Maqbool, MD Children’s Hospital Lahore Professor Tipu Sultan, Professor Farah Haroon, Professor Khawaja Irfan Waheed, UNICEF Pakistan representatives, Professor Hina Ayesha, Professor Syed Rehan Ali, Professor Kaleem Malhi, Professor Tahir Masood, faculty members, and numerous national and international pediatricians, neonatologists, and medical professionals.
