Punjab Launches CM Welfare Cards for Free Heart and Cancer Care
The Punjab government will soon launch CM welfare cards to support heart and cancer patients. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the plan during a key healthcare meeting. As a result, patients will no longer worry about high treatment costs.
She chaired the meeting on Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education on Tuesday. Officials shared updates on hospital expansion and staffing needs. These steps aim to improve access to quality healthcare across the province.
Free treatment and expanded patient care
Under the CM welfare cards, the government will fully cover treatment expenses for heart and cancer patients. Each card will provide treatment worth up to Rs1 million. In the first phase, 45,000 people across Punjab will receive support.
In addition, the CM Cardiac Surgery Programme will offer free heart surgeries. This move will help families avoid financial pressure. Therefore, patients can focus on recovery instead of expenses.
The chief minister also stressed the importance of stroke care. She directed officials to prepare a complete plan for timely treatment. Early intervention, she said, saves lives and reduces disability.
Hospitals, staffing, and clear deadlines
Maryam Nawaz announced strict deadlines for major health facilities. She directed authorities to make the OPD block of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment operational by January 17. Meanwhile, the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha will open by January 31.
Officials confirmed progress on staffing as well. The Board of Governors approved recruitment for 219 vacant posts at the cancer institute in the first phase. At the Sargodha cardiology institute, OPD, IPD, emergency, pathology, and radiology departments will start together. Authorities approved 258 positions for this phase.
Moreover, the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology will become functional on February 15. Its board approved recruitment for 1,104 positions. Altogether, these steps strengthen hospitals and improve care across Punjab.
