Advanced cancer patients to get free treatment at Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer: minister

LAHORE, Mar 27 (APP):Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique has announced that level three and level four cancer patients will receive free treatment at the 915-bed Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research (NSICT&R) in Lahore, currently under construction at a cost of approximately Rs 75 billion.
The minister made this announcement during a visit to the site on Friday, accompanied by Chairman Board and former Chief Secretary Punjab Captain (retd) Zahid Saeed and Secretary Health Azmat Mahmood. Officials briefed them on the master plan of the institute.
Khawaja Salman Rafique stated that the Punjab government is building the NSICT&R as the first fully government-run cancer hospital in Pakistan. He added that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is closely monitoring the project, with construction ongoing around the clock. “No patient will be denied treatment. Insha Allah, even level three and level four cancer patients will receive care free of charge,” the minister said.
The institute will feature pediatric oncology, operation theatres, ten radiation therapy bunkers, an ICU, a 30-bed emergency ward, a waiting hall with 24 beds, a bone marrow center, cancer care clinic, doctors’ residences, and a mosque in its first phase. The second phase will include a 300-bed building and a parking plaza. Facilities such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and endoscopy will be available from the start.
Patients from other provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, will also be treated free of cost. The minister emphasized that the institute is a national project, not just for Punjab, ensuring access to cancer treatment for all socio-economic groups.
Captain (retd) Zahid Saeed said efforts are being made to complete the first phase quickly, with progress under continuous review. Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood added that IDAP has been instructed to make the NSICT&R fully functional within the stipulated timeframe.
Additional Secretary Technical Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Waseem, Maira Ali from IDAP, the Project Director, and other officials were also present during the visit.