The Punjab government has rolled out a major relief measure, announcing free treatment for cancer and heart patients across the province. The entire cost of cancer care and cardiac surgeries will now be covered by the government, and eligible patients will be given a special card for this purpose.
Following the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, people diagnosed with cancer or heart disease will receive a Special Initiative Card, allowing treatment of up to Rs1 million without any charges. According to an official statement, around 45,000 patients are expected to benefit in the first phase, easing the heavy financial strain of these treatments.
Maryam Nawaz has also asked for a complete plan to ensure quick treatment for stroke and paralysis cases. She has set 31 January as the deadline for making the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha fully operational.
During the briefing, the Secretary of Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education updated her on the progress of ongoing health projects.
In a separate development, the Punjab Chief Minister formally launched the second phase of the Lahore Development Plan.
The decision came during a meeting chaired by her regarding Phase II, under which 6,284 streets across the city will be upgraded. By 30 June next year, 5,798 streets under the Municipal Corporation and 486 under WASA will be improved.
Maryam Nawaz said that no compromise will be made on the quality of Lahore’s development and stressed that no delay will be tolerated in completing Phase II. She added that every part of the city will be restored with dignity for its residents.