Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has introduced the CM Special Initiative Card to provide free treatment for cancer and heart disease patients. The program aims to ease financial pressure on vulnerable families by offering medical coverage of up to Rs1 million per patient across the province.
During a high-level meeting, the chief minister reviewed the project’s framework and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting patients with life-threatening conditions. Officials briefed her that the card will ensure complete treatment coverage for cancer and cardiac patients, allowing them to access essential procedures without financial barriers.
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Moreover, the initiative will begin with the issuance of cards to 45,000 patients in the first phase, enabling them to receive costly therapies and surgeries at no charge. Cardholders will also benefit from free cardiac surgeries under the Chief Minister’s Cardiac Surgery Program, which aims to expand advanced healthcare access across Punjab.
In addition, the chief minister directed health authorities to prepare a detailed strategy for stroke and paralysis patients to ensure they receive timely and specialized care. She also reviewed progress on multiple health facilities that are being developed to strengthen the province’s treatment capacity for complex illnesses.
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The Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore will activate its OPD block by January 17, supported by 219 new staff recruitments approved for the first phase. Furthermore, the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha will make its IPD, emergency, pathology, and radiology departments operational by January 31, with 258 employees hired.
Additionally, the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore is scheduled to begin operations on February 15, with 1,104 staff members recruited for its launch. CM Maryam Nawaz has ordered strict adherence to all project deadlines to ensure that patients receive life-saving treatment as early as possible.
Original source: pk