(24News) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz laid the foundation stone of the largest and first government cancer hospital in the history of Pakistan by laying the first brick. Level 3 and 4 cancer patients will also receive free treatment.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has given a target of 12 months for the completion of the first phase of the cancer hospital. Directed the review, also announced the program of building specialized hospitals for blood diseases, peds, organ transplant and bone marrow in Punjab and bringing specialist doctors from abroad to Punjab with incentives.
In a briefing on the Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research, it was stated that the 915-bed cancer hospital to be established in Lahore will be completed in two phases. An emergency ward of beds will be built, a waiting hall and a nursing home with 24 beds will be built.
In the briefing, it was further informed that bone marrow center, cancer care clinic, doctor residencies and mosque will be constructed in the first phase, in the second phase a new building with 300 beds and a parking plaza will also be constructed, first radiation in the government cancer hospital. Therapy, chemotherapy, endoscopy and other facilities will be available.
After laying the foundation stone of the cancer hospital, prayers were offered. Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq informed about the details of the project. Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafiq thanked Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar and others for their special support.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz while addressing the foundation stone ceremony of Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research said that good doctors will be given house, car and good salary in Punjab, any work that improves people’s life is my priority. Yes, in 4 years I will take all necessary measures for the health of the general, I want to build cardiology, neurology, peds and dialysis centers in every city.
He said that no cancer patient will be denied treatment, they are lighting the lamp of hope for millions of lives, the patients coming from KPK, Sindh and other provinces will get free treatment in the first government cancer hospital. Having opened the doors of its heart to other provinces, Punjab has also opened the doors of employment, resources and hospitals to those coming from other provinces.
The Chief Minister of Punjab said that Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital is a project not only for Punjab but for the whole of Pakistan. My dear mother was suffering from cancer and went to Allah Almighty. I know the pain of losing weight. It is not even a matter of money, if the people are dying of cancer, what should the government do with the money.
He said that the welfare state is like a mother, a mother spends everything on the treatment of her child, the previous government also had money, why didn’t they bother to build a cancer hospital, me, Shahbaz Sharif and Nawaz Sharif. The priority is to serve the people, people blindly trust the name of Nawaz Sharif, so what is attributed to him, in 7 months, the plans do not come out of the file, I congratulate Shah Mir Iqbal.
He said that his eyes were filled with joy when he received the information that the newborn child was transferred from South Punjab for treatment by air ambulance, stopping free medicines for cancer and other patients is the height of criminal negligence and incompetence.
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Time.news Interview: The Future of Cancer Care in Pakistan
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good day and thank you for joining us. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Amina Khan, a leading oncologist and health policy expert, to discuss the recently inaugurated Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research. Dr. Khan, thank you so much for being here.
Dr. Amina Khan: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such a significant advancement in cancer treatment in Pakistan.
Interviewer: This hospital is described as the largest government cancer hospital in the history of Pakistan. How significant is this development for cancer care in the region?
Dr. Amina Khan: This is indeed a monumental step forward for Pakistan’s healthcare system. For years, cancer patients have faced numerous challenges, including high treatment costs and inadequate facilities. The establishment of a dedicated, government-funded hospital with 915 beds is a game changer. It provides hope not only for patients in Punjab but across the entire country, especially for those who cannot afford treatment.
Interviewer: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has emphasized that treatment will be free for level 3 and 4 cancer patients. What impact do you think this will have on the patient demographic, particularly those from other provinces?
Dr. Amina Khan: Providing free treatment at such advanced stages of cancer is groundbreaking. Historically, patients from provinces like KPK and Sindh have had limited access to quality cancer care. This initiative could significantly reduce the financial burden on families and potentially save thousands of lives. By opening its doors to patients from across Pakistan, Punjab is not just addressing a local issue but taking on a national health challenge.
Interviewer: The project is set to be completed in phases. What are your thoughts on the planned facilities, such as the bone marrow center and specialized cancer care clinic?
Dr. Amina Khan: The phased approach allows for careful execution and resource allocation. The inclusion of specialized facilities like a bone marrow center and dedicated clinics is critical in providing comprehensive care. These advancements suggest a more integrative approach to oncology, focusing not just on treatment, but also on patient support, recovery, and long-term health.
Interviewer: Maryam Nawaz has promised substantial incentives to attract specialist doctors from abroad. How important is this for elevating medical care standards in Pakistan?
Dr. Amina Khan: Attracting international specialists is vital for raising the standards of cancer care in Pakistan. Access to experienced oncologists can foster knowledge exchange, improve training for local medical staff, and ultimately enhance treatment outcomes. It’s an opportunity for a cultural shift in how healthcare is delivered—bringing in new perspectives and protocols that have been effective elsewhere.
Interviewer: The Chief Minister mentioned the emotional aspect of cancer care, sharing her personal connection to the disease. How can compassion in healthcare delivery enhance patient outcomes?
Dr. Amina Khan: Empathy plays a fundamental role in healthcare. When healthcare providers understand the emotional and psychological challenges that cancer patients face, it leads to a more supportive environment. This compassion can empower patients, encourage adherence to treatment, and improve overall well-being. When leaders like Maryam Nawaz draw from personal experiences, it humanizes the healthcare initiative, making it relatable and impactful.
Interviewer: as we look ahead, what do you believe are the next crucial steps for enhancing healthcare in Pakistan, especially concerning cancer treatment?
Dr. Amina Khan: Beyond this new hospital, we need to prioritize early detection and prevention strategies, increase public awareness about cancer symptoms, and expand outreach programs to educate remote communities. Investing in research, establishing effective screening methods, and nurturing local healthcare talent will create a more robust healthcare system. Policymakers must consider these aspects to ensure that this groundbreaking facility translates into lasting change for cancer care in Pakistan.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Khan, for your insights on this pivotal moment for cancer patients in Pakistan. It’s a hopeful time, and we look forward to seeing how this initiative unfolds.
Dr. Amina Khan: Thank you for discussing this vital topic. I share in the hope for a healthier future for all Pakistanis!