Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a landmark initiative to provide complete medical screenings for over 35,600 special children across Punjab. This province-wide programme marks the first such effort in Punjab’s history, focusing on the health and well-being of students enrolled in special education centers. The screenings will include eye testing, dental check-ups, and diagnosis of various diseases, ensuring that every child receives proper medical attention and treatment.
During the official briefing, it was shared that over 20,000 students will receive immediate on-site treatment, while more than 9,000 children will be referred to tehsil and district headquarters hospitals for further care. Additionally, around 5,000 students from major cities will undergo advanced medical check-ups in specialized hospitals. This extensive plan aims to build a healthier learning environment for children with special needs, ensuring they receive both preventive and curative medical support at their doorstep.
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Meanwhile, Punjab’s door-to-door admission campaign for special students has shown remarkable results, bringing over 5,000 new admissions to special education institutions across the province. In line with this, the Chief Minister also launched special training courses under the CM Punjab Freelancer Programme. Courses such as Design and YouTube, Content Creation, Social Media Management, and E-Commerce have been introduced in various centers to help students gain modern skills and digital exposure.
To further enhance digital learning, ten new computer labs have been approved, and eight existing ones are being upgraded. So far, 18 master trainers and 1,760 students have successfully completed their training under the programme, while 50 top-performing students will soon be rewarded with laptops. These steps demonstrate the government’s focus on empowering special children through both education and skill development, ensuring they remain an active part of society.
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In addition to healthcare and education, strict safety measures are being implemented across all special education centers. Nearly 989 security cameras are being installed in 142 centers under Phase-I, covering Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, and D.G. Khan Divisions. Phase-II will include 158 more institutes in Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Sargodha, and Sahiwal Divisions, bringing the total to 4,381 cameras by next May. These surveillance systems will connect to a central monitoring room in Lahore, ensuring round-the-clock safety and behavioral observation of students.
Furthermore, by November, around 3,450 cameras will become operational, enhancing both security and transparency in these institutions. The initiative reflects a major step toward improving healthcare, safety, and digital inclusion for special children in Punjab. It not only ensures their medical well-being but also opens new opportunities for their education, skill-building, and protection—making it one of the most impactful welfare programs introduced in recent years.