Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has officially laid the foundation stone for the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital, a project aimed at enhancing access to cancer care across Pakistan. This significant step brings to life a vision of accessible healthcare for all Pakistanis affected by cancer, irrespective of financial constraints. Speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony on Wednesday, Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the hospital’s mission is to deliver quality cancer treatment to patients nationwide, with an assurance that no one will be turned away due to inability to pay.
The first phase of the hospital is set to open by October 2025. Once complete, the facility will operate as a comprehensive cancer care center equipped with advanced technology and staffed by skilled medical professionals. The Chief Minister stressed that the project is not just a provincial initiative but one of national importance. Punjab is committed to extending resources beyond provincial boundaries, aiming to reduce the financial burden of cancer diagnostics and treatment for all Pakistanis.
Maryam Nawaz acknowledged the legacy of her father, Nawaz Sharif, who served three terms as Pakistan’s Prime Minister, by naming the hospital in his honor. She expressed pride in his dedication to public welfare and hopes this facility will stand as a tribute to his contributions to healthcare and public service.
Addressing the hospital’s construction timeline, the Chief Minister called for swift, efficient, and transparent progress on the three-year project. She outlined the government’s determination to ensure that the facility will be furnished with state-of-the-art technology to meet the growing demands for cancer treatment in Pakistan.
In addition to the cancer hospital initiative, Maryam Nawaz announced plans to reinstate free medical services in government hospitals across Punjab, a step aimed at lifting the healthcare burden on families across the region. She also encouraged Pakistani doctors currently practicing overseas to return, assuring them of equal professional opportunities in Pakistan as the country seeks to build a robust healthcare infrastructure.
The Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital project represents a monumental move towards addressing Pakistan’s healthcare needs and highlights Punjab’s role in advancing nationwide cancer treatment accessibility.
