Punjab provides over Rs17b free treatment under Special Health Programs: Minister Salman

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Apr, 2026) Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique on Wednesday said that historic and fundamental steps are being taken in the health sector, adding that free treatment facilities worth more than Rs17 billion have so far been provided to patients under various special programs at approved hospitals.

He expressed these views while chairing a meeting at the Department of Specialized Health Care and Medical education regarding the Chief Minister Adult Cardiac Surgery Program and the Chief Minister Children’s Heart Surgery Program.

During the meeting, the minister was briefed on the monitoring framework of different health projects, service delivery, and measures taken to facilitate patients. Khawaja Salman Rafique stressed the need to ensure transparency in flagship programs, improve service quality, and strengthen monitoring mechanisms for the convenience of patients.

He said that under the Chief Minister’s Adult Cardiac Surgery Program, free treatment worth over Rs3 billion is being provided annually to heart patients. According to NADRA records, all permanent residents of Punjab are eligible for the program, with annual coverage of up to Rs1 million per patient.

Highlighting achievements of the children’s program, the minister said that more than 12,000 children have undergone completely free heart surgeries at a cost of billions of rupees across the province. He added that children from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, Islamabad, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Sindh have also benefited from the initiative.

Khawaja Salman Rafique reiterated that efforts are being made to provide the best possible healthcare facilities to the public.

Secretary Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Azmat Mahmood said that all available resources are being utilized to improve healthcare services in Punjab. He directed officials to ensure maximum facilities for patients at designated hospitals and to address their issues on a priority basis.

The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Development Ahmed Kamal Mann, CEO Punjab Health Initiative Management Company Dr. Ali Razaq, COO Shamshad Ali Khan, Mian Muneeb, Hasnat, and other officials.