Women Empowerment Through Healthcare Innovation in Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has unveiled a bold vision to empower women and bring them into the economic mainstream by ensuring access to health and education services at the Union Council level. This initiative reflects her commitment to building inclusive opportunities for women across the province.

At a ceremony in Lahore, Saira Afzal Tarar, Coordinator to the Chief Minister for Health and Population, highlighted the importance of the programme titled “Self-Employment of Women in the Private Health Sector, Punjab.” Organized by Greenstar Social Marketing Pakistan in collaboration with the Punjab government and supported by the German Development Bank (KfW), the event brought together key stakeholders, including Dr Khalid Mehmood and Dr Syed Ali Mehdi, senior officials from the Health and Population Departments.

The programme, implemented across 14 districts, integrates women-led private clinics into the broader public health system. By offering technical guidance and support, the Punjab Health and Population Department has ensured that qualified women healthcare providers can establish and sustain clinics delivering essential primary healthcare, maternal and child health (MNCH), and family planning services.

Tarar praised the initiative as a strong example of public-private partnership. She noted that it has expanded access to healthcare while creating self-employment opportunities for trained community midwives. This approach reduces reliance on untrained birth attendants and saves lives by improving maternal and child health outcomes.

Dr Syed Ali Mehdi emphasized that South Punjab faces unique development challenges and requires expanded healthcare coverage. He explained that the programme complements government efforts to extend MNCH and primary healthcare services to underserved areas.

He further acknowledged Greenstar’s close coordination with district health authorities, underscoring the project’s dual impact: creating sustainable livelihoods for women healthcare providers while improving access to essential health services at the community level.

This initiative not only strengthens healthcare delivery but also empowers women to play a central role in Pakistan’s development journey, marking a significant step toward inclusive growth and social progress.