Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz, the Population Welfare Department, Punjab has taken historic steps in 2024 to promote family planning, reproductive health, and population management. CM Maryam Nawaz envisions a prosperous Punjab with healthier families. CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s Vision and the Population Welfare Department’s Key Achievements in 2024.
In line with CM Maryam Nawaz’s vision, a population management and family planning programme worth Pak. Rs. 1.0 billion has been approved to manage Punjab’s population and provide the public with the best contraceptive services. This will help in boosting creativity based multi discipline media for communication based on awareness regarding population education and family planning.
It includes use of TikTok, social media influencers, outdoor media, documentaries making and showcasing at 1,000 campuses for awareness regarding population growth slowdown, environment, women empowerment, education and climate preservation. Moreover, TV campaigns, radio ads, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube use for youth awareness.
The department has prioritized awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the benefits of small families and birth spacing. Thousands of imams and preachers delivered Friday sermons emphasizing the importance of family planning. A national awareness campaign was launched using electronic, print, and social media, while district-level outreach was enhanced through social media apps.
A dedicated helpline (1793) was established to provide free family planning information, making it easier for citizens to access guidance. CM Punjab’s vision of empowering youth was reflected in the establishment of 24 Youth Health Centers, offering psychological counseling to young clients, and 14 Youth Health Centers, which conducted hundreds of awareness lectures in schools and colleges.
To strengthen Punjab’s future generations, 600 teachers were trained in family planning awareness in 30 government and private educational institutions, while 2,000 orientation lectures were delivered to medical and nursing students. The department also arranged 800 mental health and stress-related lectures by Population Welfare Psychologists. CM Maryam Nawaz’s commitment to women’s health and reproductive rights was evident in the expansion of family planning services across Punjab. Hundreds of family planning counters were set up at rural health centers and basic health units, ensuring easy access for both men and women.
Recognizing the importance of pre-marital counseling, the government launched counseling services in four districts, benefitting 35,000 individuals before marriage. Free contraceptives and family planning services were provided to married couples through PESSI, PPIF, and family planning NGOs, reflecting the CM’s focus on accessible and affordable healthcare. To reach remote areas, 117 mobile units conducted health camps, benefiting thousands of clients. The provision of contraceptives was expanded to primary and secondary healthcare departments, and new uniforms were provided to outreach workers to enhance service delivery.
CM Maryam Nawaz emphasizes investing in human capital, and accordingly, refresher training was provided to 422 officers and 9,350 paramedics across Punjab. Around 290 officers were promoted through Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs), ensuring career progression and motivation among staff.
• 1,344,192 newly married couples registered through outreach workers.
• 6,483,152 clients received free family planning advice and services.
• 3,170,39 general clients were provided free medicines.
• 50,000 contraceptive surgeries were performed in 129 family health clinics.
• “NOOR” Doorstep Service Model, piloted by PPIF, where Community Resource Persons (CRPs) conducted awareness sessions using audio-visual and print materials.
• E-voucher model, being scaled up in 14 districts under the World Bank Punjab Family Planning Program.
• Development of a drama series aimed at changing societal mindsets about family planning, expected to air in 2025.
• Deployment of 9 nutritionists in 9 districts to promote balanced diets and maternal health.
• Establishment of a Strategic Planning Unit under the ADP Scheme to develop evidence-based policies.
• Launch of the Population Welfare Training Institute (PWTI) to improve the capacity of professionals.
• Hosting of the First Demography Conference 2023 in Lahore, bringing experts together to discuss population challenges and solutions.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Comments