Punjab CM lays foundation stone of first cancer hospital

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz laid foundation stone of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research project

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the chief minister stressed the need to complete the first government cancer hospital in Lahore as soon as possible so that Level 3 and 4 patients can get free treatment.

The 915-bed cancer hospital will be completed in two phases. Bone marrow centre, cancer care clinic, doctor's residence and mosque will be constructed in the first phase while operation theatre, radiation therapy bunker, ICU and emergency ward and parking plaza will also be constructed in the second phase.

Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, endoscopy and other facilities will be available in the cancer hospital. Maryam Nawaz renewed pledge to ensure better public service delivery.

She recalled her mother’s death due to cancer and said she felt strong concerns for cancer patients. She added: “Anything that improves people's lives is my priority. Necessary steps will be taken for the betterment of common persons in four years.

“The first government cancer hospital will provide free treatment to patients coming from KP, Sindh and other provinces. Punjab has opened the doors of its heart to other provinces. My mother died of cancer. I know about the miseries of relatives of a cancer patient.”