The Punjab government has allocated more than Rs. 37 billion for free medical treatment across several specialized healthcare programs. The funding aims to improve access to medical services at selected hospitals throughout the province.

Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique shared the details during a meeting. He said the government was introducing major measures to strengthen the healthcare sector.

According to the minister, special health initiatives launched under the Punjab Chief Minister have reduced patient waiting lists. These programs cover several serious medical conditions, including heart diseases, cancer, kidney failure, and stroke.

The initiatives also support children requiring heart surgery and patients needing organ transplants. Hospitals have been directed to further reduce waiting times for these treatments.

Under the Chief Minister’s Adult Cardiac Surgery Program, patients receive free heart treatment. The program provides medical services worth approximately Rs. 3 billion annually.

The government has also introduced dedicated support for cancer patients. Through the Chief Minister’s Special Initiative for Cancer Patients, patients receive free diagnostic tests and treatment.

These services include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical procedures, and other medical therapies. The initiative has an annual budget of approximately Rs. 10 billion.

Similarly, the Chief Minister’s Special Initiative for Stroke Management provides free treatment to stroke patients. The program offers medical services worth around Rs. 1.25 billion every year.

Another major initiative focuses on children suffering from heart diseases. Khawaja Salman Rafique stated that more than 16,857 children had received completely free heart surgeries across Punjab.

During the meeting, the health minister also reviewed the performance of two major cardiac facilities. These included the Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Centre in Murree and the Sahiwal Institute of Cardiology.

Officials discussed the availability of medical equipment and healthcare staff at both institutions. The review aimed to identify improvements needed for better patient care.

The minister said the Punjab government was working according to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s healthcare vision. The objective is to provide modern cardiac treatment facilities across the province.

He highlighted the progress made at the Nawaz Sharif Cardiology Centre in Murree. The hospital has received modern medical machinery worth millions of rupees.

It now provides treatment through a fully operational catheterization laboratory, commonly known as a Cath Lab. The facility is serving patients from Murree and nearby areas.

Meanwhile, the Sahiwal Institute of Cardiology is also providing specialized cardiac treatment. Officials reviewed its administrative performance and available healthcare resources.

Punjab Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood said further improvements were underway. These include purchasing medical equipment and appointing qualified healthcare professionals.

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The government aims to strengthen specialized hospitals and improve treatment standards. These measures are expected to support patients requiring advanced medical care across Punjab.