Inaugurating Chief Minister's School Health Nutrition Screening Programme in Kasur on Friday, Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said that children requiring further screenings were being provided diagnosis and treatment through the mobile health units and government facilities.

"This is Punjab's largest school health program and has been launched under special directives from Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar," the Health Minister said while addressing a ceremony at the Boys High School Changa Manga.

"Under this programme, the health and nutrition status of more than 50,000 public school children across the province is being examined in the first phase," she said, adding: "This year, the project was piloted at the Central Model School in Lahore. It was later expanded to 11 schools of Lahore and it has now been scaled up to the entire province. Mobile Health Units have been provided to nine Divisional Headquarters in the province. These are equipped with X-Ray and Ultrasound machines, screening facilities and have doctors and specialists."

The minister said, "Children requiring treatment are provided diagnosis and treatment facilities at the Mobile Health Units or nearest health facilities. A database of children is being developed and their growth will be monitored. In the next phase, the medical check-up will be provided to private schools whereas in the third phase proper nutrition arrangements will be made for the students."

Punjab Minister for School Education Murad Raas said the government had launched the largest children's health programme, adding it was the responsibility of parents and teachers to take full advantage of that facility. He said teachers' problems were being resolved on a priority basis.

Moreover, Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid reached Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Chunian for a surprise visit on Friday and took patient feedback about the services and the facilities.

The minister visited the Emergency Unit, Wards and store and personally checked the quality of services and availability of essential medicines. The Medical Superintendent of THQ Chunian briefed the Minister about the provision of services and the issues at the hospital. The Minister inquired from the patients about their quality of services.

Expressing overall satisfaction on the quality of services, she directed specific improvements based on feedback from the patients.