Revolutionizing Healthcare: Punjab Offers Free Treatment
The Punjab government has unveiled a significant initiative to bolster public health. Recently, the Punjab Health Initiative Management Company (PHIMC) board officially approved several special healthcare programs. These crucial initiatives guarantee Punjab Free Treatment for individuals battling critical ailments such as cancer, stroke, and various heart conditions.
The decision came after a pivotal board meeting. Punjab Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique chaired this important session. Consequently, the government has committed substantial resources to these life-saving programs.
Comprehensive Cancer Care at No Cost
The government plans to offer extensive support to cancer patients. This includes free diagnosis, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Furthermore, surgical and medical treatments will also be covered. Annually, this vital program will cost approximately Rs. 13 billion. It aims to alleviate the financial burden on countless families.
Similarly, stroke patients will receive free, comprehensive care. This critical assistance is valued at over Rs. 1.2 billion each year. The government’s commitment underscores its dedication to citizen well-being.
Heart Care Programs for Adults and Children
Under the Chief Minister’s Adult Cardiac Surgery Programme, patients will benefit immensely. They will receive free treatment, costing the province an estimated Rs. 3 billion annually. This program provides crucial interventions for adult heart conditions.
The Chief Minister’s Children’s Heart Surgery Programme has already achieved remarkable success. So far, over 9,648 children across Punjab have undergone free heart surgeries. This includes beneficiaries from other regions too, such as:
- 391 children from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
- 234 from Azad Kashmir
- 1,1 from Islamabad
- 28 from Balochistan
- 31 from Gilgit-Baltistan
- 25 from Sindh
This extensive program has involved billions of rupees, reflecting a significant investment in children’s health.
Life-Saving Organ Transplants and Stroke Management
Beyond heart and cancer care, the government supports other vital health initiatives. For instance, 1,151 organ transplants have been performed free of charge. These include several critical procedures, ensuring access to life-changing surgeries:
- 613 kidney transplants
- 315 cochlear implants
- 185 liver transplants
- 16 bone marrow transplants
- 22 corneal transplants
The provincial secretary has also issued clear directives. These instructions aim to resolve any issues faced by patients at empanelled hospitals. Thus, the focus remains on patient comfort and efficient service delivery.
Effective Stroke Management Across Punjab
Official data reveals encouraging news: over 7,000 patients in Punjab recovered from stroke last year. The stroke management program plays a pivotal role. It ensures the free provision of the crucial TNK injection, a life-saving medication. This single dose costs approximately Rs. 300,000.
Currently, these vital injections are administered at 14 specialized stroke management centers across the province. Key locations include:
- Services Hospital, General Hospital, and Mayo Hospital in Lahore
- Nishtar Hospital in Multan
- Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Rahim Yar Khan
Furthermore, additional stroke management centers have been established. These are located in Rawalpindi, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Narowal, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Layyah. Authorities have also given instructions to expand this program to even more districts, reaching a broader population.
