Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Announces ‘Special Initiative Card’ for Free Cancer and Cardiac Treatment

LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the launch of the **“Chief Minister Special Initiative Card”**, a major healthcare programme aimed at providing **free treatment for cancer and heart patients** across the province.

The decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, where a detailed briefing was given by the Secretary of Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education.

According to the briefing, the Punjab government will fully fund the treatment of patients suffering from cancer and cardiac diseases. Under the new card, **each patient will be eligible for treatment worth up to Rs 1 million**, ensuring that no individual avoids life-saving treatment due to high medical costs.

In the **first phase**, the government will issue the Special Initiative Card to **45,000 patients**, enabling them to receive free and advanced treatment. Under the Chief Minister Cardiac Surgery Programme, **card holders will also receive free cardiac surgeries**.

Maryam Nawaz also directed officials to present a comprehensive plan for timely treatment of **stroke (paralysis) patients**.

Officials informed the meeting that by **January 17**, the OPD Block of the **Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research, Lahore**, will become operational, enabling thousands of patients to receive treatment. The board has already approved hiring for **219 positions** in the first phase.

Similarly, the **Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha** will have its IPD, emergency, pathology, and radiology departments fully functional by **January 31**, following approval for **258 new hires**.

In addition, the **Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore** is scheduled to become operational on **February 15**, with the board approving **1,104 new recruitments**.

The Chief Minister emphasized that all projects must be completed within their deadlines and stressed that **no effort should be spared in saving patients’ lives**.