Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital to Start Services This Month
Lahore is set to receive a major boost in specialised healthcare as the Punjab government moves to open two key medical institutions in the city. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to ensure that the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital and the Jinnah Cardiology Institute become operational within this month. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister to review progress on health sector projects across the province.
Officials briefed the chief minister on the current status of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital, which is being developed as a specialised centre for cancer diagnosis and treatment. Maryam Nawaz instructed all concerned departments to remove remaining bottlenecks and speed up the final preparations so that patients can start receiving treatment as soon as possible. She emphasised that delays in cancer care directly affect survival chances and quality of life, making it essential for the hospital to start functioning without further hold-up.
During the meeting, it was also decided to re-advertise the position of the head of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment. The move is aimed at ensuring that the institution is led by a highly qualified and experienced professional with a strong track record in oncology and hospital management. Officials indicated that the recruitment process would be transparent and merit-based, with a focus on selecting leadership capable of building a modern cancer care facility that meets international standards.
Jinnah Cardiology Institute to Strengthen Heart Care in Lahore
Alongside the cancer hospital, the Jinnah Cardiology Institute is also expected to open its doors in Lahore within the same timeframe. The institute will add much-needed capacity for cardiac care in the provincial capital, where government hospitals often face heavy patient loads. With heart disease remaining one of the leading causes of death in Pakistan, the new facility is expected to provide advanced diagnostic, interventional and surgical services for heart patients from Lahore and other parts of Punjab.
The establishment of the Jinnah Cardiology Institute is particularly important for low- and middle-income patients who cannot afford expensive private treatment. By expanding specialised services at the public sector level, the government hopes to reduce waiting times, improve access to emergency care and offer more affordable treatment options for cardiac patients. Health officials say the facility will also serve as a training and research centre for cardiologists and nursing staff.
Lady Willingdon Hospital Reconstruction to Be Fast-Tracked
During the same session, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz issued clear instructions to expedite the reconstruction of Lady Willingdon Hospital, one of Lahore’s oldest public health facilities. She directed the relevant departments to complete civil works and upgradation on a priority basis so that patients can benefit from improved infrastructure, better wards and modern equipment. The hospital serves a large number of women and children from Lahore and nearby areas, making its renovation a key part of the province’s healthcare improvement plan.
Focus on Accessible and Modern Healthcare for Punjab Residents
Officials were told to regularly monitor progress on all three projects and remove administrative hurdles that could slow down work. Maryam Nawaz stressed that public sector hospitals must provide dignified and reliable care to every patient, regardless of income. She reiterated that strengthening government hospitals is essential to reduce the burden on families, who often have to borrow or sell assets when forced to seek treatment in the private sector.
The chief minister’s decisions reflect a broader policy shift towards expanding specialised treatment within Punjab’s public health system. Cancer and heart disease are among the most serious medical challenges facing Pakistani families. By investing in a dedicated cancer hospital, a modern cardiology institute and the reconstruction of Lady Willingdon Hospital, the government aims to offer quality treatment closer to where people live.
Maryam Nawaz Also Praises Pakistan’s Defence Achievements
Separately, Maryam Nawaz congratulated the Pakistan Navy on the successful test of the LY 80N air defence missile. She praised the Pakistan Army and the teams of scientists and engineers involved, saying Pakistan has achieved another milestone in its defence capabilities. While her main focus in the recent meeting was healthcare, she noted that progress in defence and social sectors must go together to strengthen national security and public welfare.
