Water, sanitation improvements to strengthen safety in public health facilities in Punjab

2026-02-13 - 10:26

LAHORE – Punjab Health Services, Health & Population Department Director General Dr. Khalid Mehmood reaffirmed their commitment to make WASH services available in all the healthcare facilities of Punjab Province. He said that water and sanitation improvements would strengthen safety in public health facilities. He made these remarks while addressing a ceremony regarding launch of WaterAid initiative which is aimed at improving safety, hygiene and infection prevention in public health facilities by integrating water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) within routine primary healthcare services. Ms. Rushda Lodhi, Parliamentary Secretary for Specialised Healthcare & Medical Education emphasised that ensuring WASH access is not only a public health priority but also a matter of dignity and equality for all. The speakers said that Canada would also back the initiative. They said that seven-year strengthening holistic and Inclusive Systems for Health” (SWISH) initiative would be implemented in District Lodhran in collaboration with Indus Hospital & Health Network and local health authorities, focusing on strengthening existing systems rather than creating parallel services. Across many health facilities, the absence of safe water, sanitation and hygiene continues to affect infection prevention and the quality of care, particularly for mothers, newborns and frontline health workers. The initiative focuses on strengthening infrastructure, promoting everyday hygiene practices such as handwashing, safe waste management and cleaning routines, and building the capacity of health staff to sustain safer environments over time. It also promotes inclusive and accessible facilities to ensure services are safer and more responsive for women, girls and persons with disabilities. Mian Muhammad Junaid, who is heading WaterAid Pakistan, was of the view that: “This initiative is about strengthening systems, not creating parallel services. By integrating water, sanitation and hygiene into everyday healthcare, we are helping create safer facilities, stronger services and better outcomes for families.” Mr. Muhammad Sufyan reaffirmed WaterAid’s commitment in creating pathways and systems with the support of Government of Punjab to make safer healthcare facilities accessible for all. Some of the distinguished guests attended the event included members of the Punjab Provincial Assembly Syed Zahid Aziz, Chairman PWON and MD PMDFC; Syed Hassan, Additional Deputy Commissioner Lodhran; Dr. Naveed Akhtar, Director EPI Punjab and colleagues from other sectors such as WHO, UNICEF, MNHCH, Local Government, PHED, PPIF, PRMSC and LCWU. By working through partnerships and supporting routine services, the initiative aims to demonstrate practical approaches that can inform wider policy and help strengthen primary healthcare across the province.