Punjab to introduce special cards for cancer, cardiac patients

Under the initiative, the government will cover the full treatment cost for cancer and heart patients.

Punjab to introduce
Punjab to introduce

LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to introduce special cards for cancer and cardiac patients under the Chief Minister’s initiative. The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister.

Under the initiative, the government will cover the full treatment cost for cancer and heart patients. Patients will be able to receive treatment up to PKR 10 lakh using the CM Special Initiative Card, with the first phase targeting 45,000 patients.

It was also announced that cardiac surgeries under the Chief Minister Cardiac Surgery Program will be provided free of cost.

The Nawaz Sharif Institute for Cancer Treatment OPD block is expected to be operational by January 17, while the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha has a deadline to become functional by January 31.

The briefing further revealed that the Institute of Cancer Treatment will recruit 219 staff members in the first phase, and the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha will recruit 258 staff members.

Additionally, the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology, Lahore, will become functional from February 15, with 1,104 positions approved for recruitment. The government has also supplied PKR 1.99 billion worth of medicines to major hospitals across Punjab.