Punjab launches Rs 13 bln free cancer treatment program

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Apr, 2026) Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has announced that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a free cancer treatment program with a budget of Rs 13 billion to provide relief to patients across the province.

Addressing the PGMI/AMC GynaeCon 2026 at General Hospital as chief guest on Thursday, the minister said that under this initiative, the Punjab government will bear the cost of cancer treatment for patients in selected private cancer hospitals as well as institutions affiliated with the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission.

He highlighted that gynecological cancers remain a serious health concern in Pakistan, with many women losing their lives each year due to late diagnosis. He stressed that such conferences play a vital role in raising awareness, promoting early detection, and improving treatment outcomes.

The minister further shared that the Punjab CML Project has also been launched to provide free treatment to cancer patients through designated divisional headquarters hospitals. Additionally, the supply of cancer medicines has been increased, with Rs 3 billion allocated in the current financial year.

Khawaja Salman Rafique said that the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore is a major upcoming project with a proposed capacity of 915 beds and an estimated cost of Rs 74 billion. The institute will be developed according to international standards with the support of leading national and international experts.

To strengthen oncology infrastructure, a 100-bed cancer center is being established at Nishtar Hospital Multan at a cost of around Rs 4 billion, which will also include a PET scan and cyclotron facility.

A linear accelerator worth Rs 1 billion is being installed at Allied Hospital Faisalabad, while a new cancer hospital is planned in D.G. Khan with an estimated cost of Rs 15 billion.

The minister added that the government is also supporting cancer-specific training by providing monthly stipends to Level 3 and Level 4 postgraduate trainees, with Rs 188 million already disbursed for this purpose.

He outlined several ongoing health initiatives, including programs for pediatric heart surgery, kidney and liver transplants, bone marrow transplants, cochlear implants, corneal transplants, adult heart surgery, cancer treatment, and stroke management. Free dialysis services are also being ensured in both public and private hospitals across Punjab.

He said new children's hospitals are being established in various cities, while heart treatment facilities are being expanded, including new institutions in Sargodha and Lahore. Burn units are also being developed at divisional headquarters, alongside plans for a Nawaz Sharif Medical District in Lahore.

During the conference, Professor Dr. Farooq Afzal proposed the establishment of a new Institute of Breast Cancer Diseases in Punjab. Other speakers, including Professor Al-Freed Zafar and Professor Arif Tajammul, also addressed participants.

At the conclusion of the event, Professor Rashid Latif Khan was awarded the Life Achievement Award, while a commemorative shield was presented to the provincial health minister. A large number of senior doctors, faculty members, students, and nurses attended the conference.