The Punjab government has expanded its free cancer treatment programme to 33 hospitals across the province, aiming to make specialized cancer care more accessible to patients and reduce the financial burden on families.
The initiative, launched under the Chief Minister’s Special Initiative for Cancer Patients, is designed to provide eligible patients with essential cancer-related medical services without the heavy costs that often come with prolonged treatment.
Under the programme, eligible patients can receive treatment support of up to Rs. 1 million annually. The initiative covers several major areas of cancer care, including diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and essential medicines, depending on the patient’s medical condition and treatment requirements.
Treatment Available in Multiple Cities
The programme has been expanded across a network of 33 designated hospitals located in different parts of Punjab. Hospitals in cities including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Sargodha, Sahiwal, Sialkot, Mianwali, Lodhran and Hafizabad are among the facilities included in the programme.
The expansion is expected to benefit patients who previously had limited access to specialized cancer services in their own areas.
For families living in smaller cities and rural communities, travelling repeatedly to major urban centres for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery or diagnostic tests can create significant financial and logistical difficulties. Increasing the number of hospitals providing covered treatment could help reduce those challenges.
Up to Rs. 1 Million in Annual Support
Cancer treatment can involve substantial expenses, particularly when patients require repeated chemotherapy sessions, radiotherapy, surgery, diagnostic tests and long-term medication.
The provincial programme provides eligible patients with treatment assistance of up to Rs. 1 million per year, helping families manage some of the major costs associated with cancer care.
The initiative is intended to ensure that financial limitations do not prevent eligible patients from receiving necessary treatment.
Focus on Modern Cancer Care
Alongside financial support, Punjab is also working to strengthen its cancer treatment infrastructure and introduce modern medical technologies.
The provincial government has been investing in specialized healthcare facilities and equipment to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.
Three cryoablation machines are also being introduced at Nishtar Hospital Multan, Allied Hospital Faisalabad and Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi. The technology can provide a minimally invasive treatment option for certain types of tumours and may complement existing cancer treatment methods.
Major Investment in Healthcare
The expansion of cancer treatment comes as Punjab increases its overall investment in healthcare.
The province has allocated around Rs. 500 billion for the health sector during the 2026-27 financial year, with specialized treatment, including cancer and cardiac care, receiving significant attention.
The government is also developing major healthcare infrastructure, including the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore, which is planned as a dedicated facility for advanced cancer care and research.
A substantial amount of funding has been allocated toward the development of the institute as part of a wider medical district planned in Lahore.
Helping Patients Outside Major Urban Centres
One of the biggest challenges in cancer treatment is access. Patients living far from major hospitals may have to travel long distances for specialized procedures and follow-up appointments.
The expansion to 33 hospitals could help bring cancer treatment closer to patients in different regions of Punjab.
Reducing travel requirements could also lower additional expenses related to transportation, accommodation and repeated visits, particularly for patients who require treatment over several months.
Rising Demand for Affordable Cancer Treatment
The need for affordable cancer treatment remains significant across Pakistan, with many families facing difficult financial decisions when a member is diagnosed with the disease.
The Punjab programme has already attracted considerable interest, with thousands of patients registering for assistance following its launch.
The government’s expansion of the programme indicates an effort to respond to this demand by increasing both the availability and geographic reach of publicly supported cancer treatment.
A Step Toward More Accessible Healthcare
The expansion of free cancer treatment to 33 hospitals represents a major step in Punjab’s efforts to make specialized healthcare more accessible.
By combining financial assistance with diagnostic services, medicines, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical care, the programme aims to provide patients with broader support throughout their treatment journey.
With additional investment in hospitals, medical technology and dedicated cancer facilities, Punjab is seeking to build a healthcare system in which patients can access critical cancer treatment without having to bear the entire financial burden themselves.
The expansion could prove particularly important for patients in underserved areas, where access to specialized cancer care has traditionally been more limited.
