Punjab health minister reviews under construction Mother & Childcare, cancer unit projects in Multan

MULTAN, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st May, 2026) Punjab Health Minister, Khawaja Salman Rafique, on Friday visited the city and reviewed the ongoing construction of the Mother & Child Care hospital and Cancer Unit projects.

The minister was accompanied by Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical education Azmat Mahmood. Senior officials briefed the minister on the progress of the projects. Vice Chancellor Nishtar Medical University Professor Dr. Mehnaaz Khakwani and other faculty members were also present on the occasion.

During the visit, Khawaja Salman Rafique inspected various sections of the under-construction 200-bed Mother & Child Care hospital and reviewed the pace and quality of work. He described the project as a revolutionary initiative and gift for South Punjab.

He said the hospital would provide modern gynaecology, obstetrics, and pediatric healthcare facilities under one roof. “This is a flagship project that will benefit thousands of women by ensuring quality healthcare at their doorstep,” the minister added.

Officials informed the minister that Rs. 956 million had already been spent on the project, while an additional Rs. 750 million in funding has been requested for its completion. The minister stressed that the project must be completed within the given timeline.

The minister also visited the PET Scan and Cancer Unit at Nishtar hospital and reviewed ongoing work. He termed the establishment of South Punjab’s first modern PET scan facility a major relief for cancer patients, eliminating the need to travel to other cities for diagnostic services.

Secretary Health Azmat Mahmood said the government was prioritizing the improvement of the healthcare system and has allocated billions of rupees for development projects across South Punjab. He directed concerned departments to further accelerate construction work while maintaining quality standards.

Officials briefed that full funding has been provided for the 100-bed cancer hospital. The minister inspected the first, second, and third floors of the facility and expressed satisfaction over the finishing work.

He also directed that both the cancer hospital and PET scan projects be completed within the stipulated deadlines. According to officials, civil work for the PET scan and cyclotron machine has been completed and machinery installed, while two components—hot cell and elevators—remain pending.

The hot cell, currently at Dubai Port, is scheduled for installation by May 15, 2026, while elevators available at Karachi Port are expected to be installed by May 10, 2026.

APP/sak

1645 hrs