CM Punjab announces 'Special Initiative Card' for cancer patients

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has decided introducing the 'CM Special Initiative Card' aimed at providing free treatment for cancer and heart disease patients in the province.

This initiative was announced during a meeting chaired by CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, where detailed discussions on the project were held.

The Secretary of Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education briefed the chief minister, highlighting the government’s commitment to cover the complete treatment costs for individuals suffering from cancer and heart ailments.

Through this new card, patients will be able to access treatment worth up to Rs1 million, alleviating the financial burden of expensive medical procedures.

In the first phase, 45,000 patients will be issued the CM Special Initiative Card, enabling them to receive costly and complex treatments without any financial concerns.

The cardholders will also benefit from free cardiac surgeries under the Chief Minister's Cardiac Surgery Program.

Furthermore, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif has requested a detailed plan to ensure timely treatment for stroke and paralysis patients.

The briefing also included plans to activate the Outpatient Department (OPD) block at the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore by January 17, with the aim of saving thousands of lives. The Institute’s Board of Governors has approved recruitment for 219 positions for the first phase.

Additionally, the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha will have its IPD, emergency, pathology, and radiology departments fully functional by January 31, with 258 new hires approved for the initial phase.

The Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore will begin operations on February 15, with the recruitment of 1,104 staff members for its opening.

The chief minister has instructed that all projects be completed within their deadlines to ensure the timely saving of patients' lives.