The Punjab government has approved a new cancer hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan. The Kulsoom Nawaz Cancer Hospital will be established at a cost exceeding Rs. 8.7 billion.
According to official documents, the project is expected to be completed by June 30, 2029. The hospital aims to provide modern cancer treatment facilities to patients across the region.
The new facility will serve people living in Dera Ghazi Khan and nearby areas. It is expected to reduce the need for patients to travel to other cities for specialised cancer care.
The approved budget includes two major components. The capital component exceeds Rs. 3.12 billion, while the revenue component stands at more than Rs. 5.58 billion.
The project is part of the provincial government’s efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure. It also aims to make specialised medical services more accessible to patients outside major cities.
Punjab Expands Specialised Cancer Treatment Facilities
The provincial health department plans to expand cancer care services further. The new hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan is an important part of these plans.
Secretary Health Azmat Mahmood said work is also underway on the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore.
The Lahore project is another initiative aimed at strengthening specialised cancer treatment services. Together, these developments are intended to improve access to dedicated medical facilities across Punjab.
Cancer patients often require specialised diagnosis, treatment, and continued medical supervision. Establishing additional facilities could help patients access these services closer to their homes.
The Dera Ghazi Khan hospital is expected to serve residents of southern Punjab and surrounding areas. Its development may also reduce the burden on hospitals in other major cities.
Punjab Introduces Review of Medical Training Procedures
Meanwhile, the Punjab Health Department has decided to establish a transparent, merit-based system for house jobs and postgraduate training. The initiative will focus on foreign medical graduates.
The department has formed a nine-member committee to review the existing procedures. The committee includes vice-chancellors of medical universities and principals of medical colleges across the province.
Its main responsibility is to assess current arrangements for house jobs and postgraduate training. The review will focus on fairness, transparency, and consistent standards for applicants.
The committee will also examine how medical qualifications and professional credentials are verified. This includes checking degrees, registration documents, licences, and eligibility requirements for foreign medical graduates.
The review aims to improve the selection process and ensure applicants meet the required standards. It will also examine how existing procedures can be made more consistent.
Healthcare Development and Medical Training Reforms
The cancer hospital approval and proposed training reforms represent separate initiatives by the provincial health department. Both focus on strengthening healthcare services and professional standards.
The new hospital is planned to improve access to specialised cancer treatment. Meanwhile, the committee will review medical training procedures to support a more transparent selection system.
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With the hospital scheduled for completion in June 2029, the project represents a major planned investment in specialised healthcare. Its implementation will be important for expanding cancer treatment options in Dera Ghazi Khan and nearby areas.
