Lahore – In a landmark step to support patients battling heart disease and cancer, the Punjab government has unveiled special health cards aimed at providing free treatment and easing the financial burden on families. The initiative, approved during a high-level meeting chaired by Maryam Nawaz Sharif, promises comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, including surgeries, diagnostics, and other essential treatments for eligible citizens.
Under the new “CM Special Initiative Card,” individuals diagnosed with cancer or cardiac conditions will be entitled to treatment worth up to Rs 1 million at no cost. The first phase of the programme aims to benefit approximately 45,000 patients across the province, ensuring that life-saving care is accessible to those in need.
Cardiac patients requiring surgery will be covered under the “CM Cardiac Surgery Programme,” while cancer patients will receive support for all major treatment needs, ranging from outpatient consultations to inpatient care and specialized therapies. The scheme is designed to ensure that critical illnesses do not become a financial catastrophe for families.
To support the programme, the government is also strengthening healthcare infrastructure and staffing at major institutions. The outpatient department (OPD) block of Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research is expected to become operational by January 17, and the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha will be fully functional by January 31. Staffing drives have been approved to fill dozens of vacant posts to manage the increased patient load effectively.
Health officials emphasised that no cardiac or cancer patient in Punjab should have to sell property or deplete savings to afford treatment. The cards provide both healthcare and financial security, a move that is expected to change the lives of thousands of patients and their families.
This initiative comes at a time when the high cost of private medical treatment has become prohibitive for many. By absorbing the financial burden, the Punjab government aims to make healthcare more inclusive, accessible, and life-saving for citizens across the province.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.