Punjab launches first health program for special children

Punjab Chief Minister has directed officials to launch the province’s first-ever comprehensive health screening program for students enrolled in special education centers.

Under this new initiative, more than 35,600 special children will undergo health screenings, including dental and eye checkups, general treatments, and disease assessments. Over 20,000 students will receive immediate medical care, while 9,000 will be referred to nearby health centers and hospitals for further treatment.

Additionally, 5,000 children from major cities will get specialized care in advanced hospitals. Officials also informed the Chief Minister that the recent door-to-door admission campaign for special children has been highly successful, bringing in over 5,000 new enrollments across Punjab.

Meanwhile, under the CM Punjab Freelancer Program, digital skill courses such as content creation, YouTube, graphic design, social media, and e-commerce have been introduced in special education centers. Ten new computer labs have been approved, and eight existing ones are being upgraded with modern technology. So far, 18 master trainers and 1760 students have completed their training, while the top 50 performers will receive laptops as rewards.

To ensure safety in these centers, the government has approved the installation of 4381 CCTV cameras. In the first phase, 989 cameras will be set up across 142 centers in Lahore, Multan, DG Khan, and Gujranwala divisions. The second phase will cover 158 centers in other divisions by May next year. All surveillance cameras will be linked to a central monitoring room in Lahore for real-time observation. By November 2025, 3450 cameras will be fully operational to ensure a secure and supportive environment for special students across Punjab.