Punjab Approves Free Treatment for Cancer, Stroke And Heart Patients 2026. Punjab has taken a major step to protect public health in 2026.
The provincial government has approved free treatment for cancer, stroke, and heart patients, removing financial pressure from thousands of families across Punjab.
This initiative focuses on early diagnosis, advanced treatment, and life-saving surgeries, especially for patients who cannot afford private healthcare.
Punjab’s Free Healthcare Approval: What Happened?
The decision was approved by the board of the Punjab Health Initiative Management Company (PHIMC) during an official meeting.
The meeting was chaired by Khawaja Salman Rafique, Punjab’s Minister for Health, who confirmed that these programs are part of the Chief Minister’s special healthcare reforms.
The aim is simple.
No patient should be denied treatment due to cost.
Free Cancer Treatment Program in Punjab
What Services Are Covered?
Under the new approval, cancer patients will receive complete treatment free of cost, including:
- Diagnosis and screening
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Surgical treatment
- Medical follow-up care
Annual Budget Allocation
The Punjab government has allocated Rs. 13 billion per year for free cancer treatment.
This funding ensures continuity of care without interruptions, especially for patients requiring long-term therapy.
Who Benefits the Most?
- Low-income families
- Patients referred from public hospitals
- Rural residents with limited healthcare access
Stroke Patients to Receive Free Life-Saving Treatment
Stroke treatment is time-sensitive and expensive. Punjab’s new plan addresses both challenges.
Annual Cost of Stroke Program
The government will spend over Rs. 1.2 billion annually on free stroke treatment.
TNK Injection: A Critical Lifesaver
The stroke management program includes free access to the TNK injection, a clot-busting drug that costs around Rs. 300,000 per dose.
Thanks to this program:
- Over 700 stroke patients recovered across Punjab last year
- Treatment is provided without delay
Stroke Management Centres Across Punjab
Free stroke treatment is currently available at 14 specialized centres, including major public hospitals.
Key Hospitals Offering Stroke Care
- **Services Hospital – Lahore
- **General Hospital – Lahore
- **Mayo Hospital – Lahore
- **Nishtar Hospital – Multan
- **Sheikh Zayed Hospital – Rahim Yar Khan
New Centres in Other Districts
Additional stroke centres have been set up in:
- Rawalpindi
- Sialkot
- Gujranwala
- Narowal
- Dera Ghazi Khan
- Layyah
The government has also issued instructions to expand these services to more districts.
Free Heart Treatment Programs in Punjab
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in Pakistan. Punjab’s free heart programs target both adults and children.
Chief Minister’s Adult Cardiac Surgery Programme
Under this program:
- Patients receive free heart surgeries and cardiac treatment
- Annual cost: Rs. 3 billion
- Focus on bypass surgeries, valve replacements, and emergency cardiac care
Children’s Heart Surgery Programme
This program has already saved thousands of young lives.
Impact So Far
- 9,648 children received free heart surgeries
- Patients came not only from Punjab but also from other regions
Children Treated from Other Areas
| Region | Number of Children |
|---|---|
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 391 |
| Azad Kashmir | 234 |
| Islamabad | 101 |
| Balochistan | 28 |
| Gilgit-Baltistan | 31 |
| Sindh | 25 |
The program has cost billions of rupees, fully funded by the provincial government.
Free Organ Transplant Services in Punjab
Punjab has also expanded free organ transplant services under government healthcare initiatives.
Total Free Transplants Performed
So far, 1,151 organ transplants have been carried out at no cost.
Breakdown of Transplants
| Type of Transplant | Number |
|---|---|
| Kidney | 613 |
| Cochlear Implants | 315 |
| Liver | 185 |
| Bone Marrow | 16 |
| Corneal | 22 |
These services have transformed lives, especially for patients who previously had no treatment options.
Improving Patient Experience at Empanelled Hospitals
The provincial health secretary confirmed that:
- Instructions have been issued to address patient complaints
- Monitoring systems are being strengthened
- Hospitals must ensure transparent and timely treatment
This step aims to improve service quality at all empanelled hospitals.
Why This Decision Matters in 2026
This approval reflects a strong policy shift towards universal healthcare access in Punjab.
Key Benefits
- Reduced out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Improved survival rates
- Faster emergency response for stroke patients
- Equal access for patients from other provinces
This initiative also reduces pressure on private hospitals and strengthens public healthcare infrastructure.
FAQs
Is cancer treatment completely free in Punjab now?
Yes. Diagnosis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and medicines are fully free under the new program.
Which hospitals offer free stroke treatment in Punjab?
Major hospitals in Lahore, Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, and several other districts provide free stroke care.
Who can apply for free heart surgery in Punjab?
Both adults and children referred through public hospitals are eligible for free heart treatment.
Is the TNK injection free for stroke patients?
Yes. The government provides the TNK injection free of cost at approved stroke centres.
Are patients from other provinces eligible?
Yes. Thousands of patients from KP, Sindh, Balochistan, and other regions have already benefited.
Conclusion
Punjab’s approval of free treatment for cancer, stroke, and heart patients in 2026 is a landmark healthcare decision.
By investing billions of rupees, the government is ensuring that life-saving treatment is a right, not a privilege.
