CM Maryam Announces Cancer Hospitals in Every Punjab Division
Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced that cancer treatment hospitals would be established in every division of the province and made functional within 12 months, here on Thursday.
Addressing a ceremony held in connection with the launch of the Multan Electro-bus Service, she stated that Punjab was also setting up major healthcare facilities, including cancer and cardiology hospitals, to provide advanced treatment to people, including patients from other provinces.
She highlighted the installation of a second PET-CT scan machine in Multan, following one at PKLI, and the successful use of an ablation machine in Lahore for treating around 100 patients within a year. The procedure offers treatment within about an hour in selected cases, with costs ranging from Rs1.6 million to Rs2.8 million.
The CM noted that millions of people received free medical treatment in Punjab the previous year, with medicines delivered to patients' doorsteps. She added that free treatment for bladder cancer is also available under the health card scheme. Free treatment will soon be extended to deserving patients at the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology, while the provincial government is investing billions in hospitals and healthcare projects.
"Punjab will have a cancer hospital in every division, and these hospitals will be operational within 12 months," she assured.
She also emphasized the government's focus on improving public transport, roads, education, and housing. This includes the deployment of 160 electric buses in Multan, with plans to procure an additional 1,100 buses, bringing the total across Punjab to 3,000 by year-end.
The chief minister pointed out that major road projects, like the Rs35 billion Multan-Vehari Road, have been completed, reducing travel time between the two cities. She stressed the provincial government's responsible spending and commitment to enhancing public services through development projects in healthcare, transport, housing, and other sectors.