The Punjab government has approved a major healthcare initiative to provide free palliative care for stage-III and stage-IV cancer patients at the newly established Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore.
The institute, which will be the largest public sector cancer hospital in Punjab, is a 900-bed project that includes a dedicated 100-bed palliative care block aimed at offering comfort and medical support to critically ill patients during the advanced stages of the disease.
According to provincial health officials, this marks the first time that a government-run hospital in Punjab will integrate specialized palliative care within a comprehensive cancer treatment facility.
Khawaja Salman Rafique, Punjab’s Minister for Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education, said the inclusion of palliative care reflects the government’s focus on compassion and accessibility in healthcare.
“Patients suffering from advanced-stage cancer often endure immense pain and emotional distress. This facility will ensure they receive the medical attention, dignity, and comfort they deserve,” he stated.
The project was approved during the 60th meeting of the Provincial Development Working Party (PDWP) for the fiscal year 2024–25, which cleared development schemes worth Rs. 15.736 billion. These include the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology at Jinnah Hospital Lahore, procurement of specialized medical equipment for JIC, and feasibility studies for teaching hospitals.
The PDWP also sanctioned Rs. 74.92 billion for the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research. Rafique added that part of the hospital is expected to be completed by February 2026, while the palliative care block is projected to become operational by March 2026.
Medical experts have lauded the initiative, emphasizing that end-stage cancer patients often struggle to access proper care due to limited facilities and high treatment costs. The new institute aims to change that by combining radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and outpatient services under one roof, ensuring holistic treatment for all patients regardless of their financial background.
