Government's cancer hospital
LAHORE: In what is being hailed as a major breakthrough for Pakistan’s public healthcare system, the Punjab government is moving rapidly to complete the country’s first government-owned, state-of-the-art cancer hospital. The Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research, currently under construction in Lahore, is being built at a cost of Rs72 billion and will house 915 beds, making it one of the largest cancer facilities in the region.
Construction workers, engineers, and planners are working around the clock as the provincial government pushes to make the facility operational as soon as possible. For thousands of families who struggle to afford cancer treatment, this development represents a long-awaited ray of hope.
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Leadership Reviews Progress as Project Enters Key Phase
The momentum behind the project was reinforced during the seventh meeting of the Board of Governors, chaired by Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique and Chairman Captain (R) Zahid Saeed at the Department of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education.
The meeting brought together senior officials including:
- Azmat Mahmood Khan, Secretary of Specialized Healthcare
- Nadia Saqib, Secretary of Health & Population
- Dr. Adnan Khan
- Khurram Aziz, Additional Secretary Finance
- Shafaat Ali, Member Health P&D
- Shahid Imtiaz from the Law Department
Several participants also joined via video link to ensure that all departments remained aligned with the project timeline.
A six-point agenda covering critical administrative and development matters was discussed and approved. The Board also reviewed the minutes of its previous meeting and evaluated progress on the decisions taken earlier.
Hospital Being Developed as a Fully Digital, Paperless Facility
Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique reiterated that the government considers the project one of its highest priorities. Stressing the need to finish the first phase without delay, he told the Infrastructure Development Authority of Punjab (IDAP) to ensure that every milestone is met on time.
“Every initiative that improves the lives of our people is a top priority,” the minister said. “This institute will be completely paperless, using modern digital systems to improve efficiency and patient care.”
Chairman Captain (R) Zahid Saeed added that strict timelines have been set for the completion of the first phase and that all departments must work cohesively to meet those deadlines.
Key Updates Shared During the Meeting
Integration of Nursing College & Hostel
IDAP briefed the Board on the progress of establishing the Nursing College, Nursing Hostel, and an Administrative Block—facilities that will play an essential role in training upcoming oncology professionals.
Appointment of Dean
Updates were also shared regarding interviews for the appointment of the hospital’s first Dean, an individual who will shape the institute’s academic, clinical, and research vision.
Procurement & HR Finalization
The Board reviewed the ongoing procurement of equipment and supplies and officially approved the Human Resource regulations for the centre, paving the way for recruitment.
Implementation Monitoring
Secretary Azmat Mahmood Khan emphasized that all decisions must now be implemented without delay to keep the project moving forward smoothly.
Part of a Bigger Health Vision for Punjab
The construction of Pakistan’s first government-run cancer hospital is not a standalone effort—it is part of a much broader health reform agenda underway in Punjab.
Over the past year, the provincial government has rolled out several major initiatives, including:
✔ Upgrading Public Hospitals
Large-scale upgrades are being carried out at district and tehsil headquarters hospitals. New wards, diagnostic labs, and emergency units are being added to accommodate growing patient needs.
✔ Expansion of Mother & Child Hospitals
Punjab has been expanding specialized mother and child healthcare centres, particularly in underdeveloped regions. Several such hospitals in areas like Mianwali, Layyah, and Attock are near completion.
✔ Revival of Sehat Sahulat (Health Card) Program
The government has also announced the phased restoration of the Sehat Sahulat health insurance program, aimed at providing free treatment to millions of families across the province.
✔ Digital Transformation of Health Services
Following the paperless design of the cancer institute, other hospitals are also being shifted gradually to electronic medical record (EMR) systems to reduce delays and make data more accessible.
✔ Strengthening Medical Education
New medical colleges, increased seats for nursing programs, and capacity-building initiatives for healthcare workers are being introduced to tackle the shortage of trained professionals.
A Major Step Forward for Cancer Care in Pakistan
Once operational, the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research will offer a full range of services including:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Surgical oncology
- Diagnostic imaging
- Research and clinical trials
- Outpatient and emergency care
- Training and academic programs
For many families who travel long distances or take on crippling financial burdens for cancer treatment, this government-run facility promises relief, dignity, and access to quality care.
With the first phase nearing completion, Pakistan is closer than ever to having a world-class public cancer hospital—one that could transform the future of cancer treatment across the country.
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