Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has laid the foundation stone for Pakistan’s largest government cancer hospital, marking a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare sector. The hospital, which aims to provide free treatment for Level 3 and 4 cancer patients, is slated for completion in two phases, with the first phase targeted for completion within twelve months.
According to Chief Minister of Punjab, the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore will feature 915 beds and will be developed in two distinct phases. The first phase will include the construction of a bone marrow center, cancer care clinic, doctor residencies, and a mosque, alongside a pediatric oncology unit, operation theater, 10 radiation therapy bunkers, an ICU, and a 30-bed emergency ward. A second phase will see the addition of a new 300-bed building and parking plaza, further enhancing the hospital’s capabilities.
The initiative reflects a broader plan to improve healthcare across Punjab and Pakistan, with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasizing the importance of attracting specialist doctors from abroad. She announced that these professionals would be offered competitive salaries, housing, and transport to work in Punjab’s medical institutions. This move is part of a wider strategy to establish specialized hospitals for blood diseases, organ transplants, and other critical medical needs.
Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique highlighted the collaborative support of Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and other officials in realizing this project. The hospital will also provide free treatment to patients from other provinces, such as KPK and Sindh, underscoring Punjab’s commitment to serving the entire nation.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, drawing from personal experience, reiterated her dedication to enhancing healthcare access for all socioeconomic groups in the country. She criticized previous administrations for not prioritizing the construction of such essential facilities, while affirming her administration’s focus on public welfare and healthcare improvements.