Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated a PET-CT cyclotron facility and a cryoablation centre for cancer treatment at Nishtar Hospital on Friday, where she also inspected various departments and treatment facilities. According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the chief minister visited the cryoablation centre, where officials briefed her on the Chinese cryoablation technology that can destroy cancerous tumours using needles, offering a minimally invasive treatment option.

During her visit to the PET-CT cyclotron centre, the chief minister reviewed the cyclotron machine’s procedure as well as the radiopharmaceutical production laboratory and pharmacy hot lab. She inspected the 100-bed cancer centre, including its outpatient department, intensive care unit, chemotherapy and radiotherapy rooms, digital and CT simulator room, and focused radiotherapy linear accelerator room.

The chief minister met with Musarrat Arshad, a 55-year-old patient from Kamalia who was the first to receive cancer treatment through the cryoablation machine. Emotional about her successful treatment, Arshad received consolation and congratulations from the chief minister. Another patient, 24-year-old Nasreen from Mian Channu, was visited by the chief minister, who expressed hope for her full recovery.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif interacted with doctors, urging them to continue serving patients with dedication, and met members of the public at the hospital. Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Communication and Works Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar, and Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood provided a detailed briefing to the chief minister. Officials noted that a separate cancer ward for children had been established at the Multan Cancer Centre, with directives from the chief minister to make the ward fully functional at the earliest.