Punjab Allocates Over Rs. 37 Billion for Free Specialized Treatment

The Punjab government has provided over Rs. 37 billion for free medical treatment of patients across various specialized health programs at selected hospitals. Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, while chairing a meeting, stated that 'historic and foundational measures' were being taken in the health sector. Thanks to the Chief Minister of Punjab's special health programs, there has been a significant reduction in patient waiting lists for treatments related to adult cardiac care, cancer, dialysis, stroke, pediatric heart surgery, and transplants. Under the 'Chief Minister's Adult Cardiac Surgery Program', free medical treatment valued at Rs. 3 billion annually is being provided to patients suffering from heart diseases. Through the 'Chief Minister's Special Initiative for Cancer Patients', free services including diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy as well as surgical and medical therapies are being provided to cancer patients at an annual cost of Rs. 10 billion, he said. Under the 'Chief Minister's Special Initiative for Stroke Management', free medical treatment worth approximately Rs. 1.25 billion annually is being provided to stroke patients. Hospitals have also been directed to further accelerate the reduction of patient waiting lists for adult cardiac care, cancer, dialysis, stroke, pediatric heart surgery, and transplants. Khawaja Salman Rafique noted that under the 'Chief Minister's Children's Heart Surgery Program', heart surgeries have been performed completely free of charge for over 16,857 children across the province. Moreover, the health minister conducted a detailed review of the administrative affairs and performance of the Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Centre, Murree, and the Sahiwal Institute of Cardiology. During the meeting, the current status of medical equipment and human resources (HR) was reviewed to ensure the provision of top-tier medical facilities in Punjab's cardiac hospitals. Khawaja Salman Rafique stated that in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the government is providing state-of-the-art cardiac care to patients. The Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Center is proving to be an excellent treatment facility for the people of Murree and its surrounding areas. For the first time in its history, the Punjab government has procured modern machinery worth millions of rupees for this hospital, which now offers patient care through a fully functional Cath Lab. Similarly, the Sahiwal Institute of Cardiology is also providing high-quality medical care to patients. Punjab Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood stated that measures including the procurement of medical equipment, the deployment of human resources, and other foundational initiatives were being taken to ensure the delivery of excellent medical care in Punjab's cardiac hospitals. Stay Connected with ProPakistani Get the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.