Children Heart Surgery Program 2026. The Children Heart Surgery Program is a life-saving initiative designed to give children timely access to heart surgery.
In 2026, the program aims to reduce delays, expand hospital capacity, and protect families from financial stress.
This guide explains how the program works, who qualifies, and why it matters for Punjab’s future.
What Is the Children Heart Surgery Program?
The Children Heart Surgery Program (CHSP) is a government-backed healthcare initiative focused on pediatric cardiac care.
Its main goal is simple yet powerful: save children’s lives by providing timely and quality heart surgery.
Every year, more than 5,000 children in Pakistan die due to the lack of timely heart operations.
This program directly targets that gap by strengthening public hospitals and partnering with private healthcare providers.
Why the Program Was Launched
A Growing Pediatric Health Crisis
Congenital heart diseases remain one of the leading causes of child mortality.
Many families face long waiting lists or cannot afford private treatment.
Key Challenges Before CHSP
- Limited pediatric cardiac surgery units
- Shortage of trained surgeons and nursing staff
- Long waiting times in government hospitals
- High treatment costs in private hospitals
The Children Heart Surgery Program 2026 was created to remove these barriers.
Program Coverage and Phase-Wise Rollout
Phase One Cities
In the first phase, pediatric heart surgery services are available in:
- Lahore
- Multan
- Rawalpindi
These cities were selected due to existing medical infrastructure and high patient demand.
Phase Two Expansion Plan
In the second phase, the program will expand to other districts of Punjab.
This ensures families do not need to travel long distances for critical treatment.
Hospitals Included in the Program
Government and Private Hospital Partnership
Under CHSP, six hospitals are participating in the first phase.
Both government and private hospitals are part of this initiative.
How Private Hospitals Help
If government hospitals reach full capacity:
- Children are referred to approved private hospitals
- The government covers the treatment cost
- Families face zero financial burden
This public-private model reduces waiting times and improves survival rates.
Child Surgery Cards Explained
What Is a Child Surgery Card?
The Child Surgery Card is an official eligibility card issued under the program.
It allows children to receive free heart surgery and related care.
Benefits of the Surgery Card
- Free diagnosis and surgery
- Access to both public and private hospitals
- Faster admission process
- Transparent treatment tracking
Key Benefits of the Children Heart Surgery Program
1. Free Pediatric Heart Surgery
All eligible children receive 100% free treatment, including surgery and post-operative care.
2. Reduced Waiting Time
The program increases hospital capacity, allowing faster procedures for urgent cases.
3. Access to Private Hospitals
Children are treated in private hospitals if public facilities are unavailable.
4. Expanded Medical Workforce
The initiative increases the number of:
- Pediatric heart surgeons
- Cardiac nurses
- Support staff
5. Family Relief
Families no longer face financial stress or long hospital queues.
Facilities Provided Under CHSP
The program offers complete pediatric cardiac care, not just surgery.
Medical Facilities
- Pediatric heart surgery units
- Dedicated cardiac wards
- High Dependency Units (HDUs)
Child-Friendly Environment
- Play areas for children
- Comfortable recovery spaces
- Emotional support for families
This holistic approach improves recovery and mental well-being.
Online Dashboard of Children Heart Surgery Program
A Technology-Driven Healthcare Model
The program is supported by a centralized digital system developed by Punjab Information Technology Board.
This online dashboard acts as the program’s backbone.
How the Online Dashboard Works
1. Patient Registration
- Secure electronic medical records
- Centralized data storage
- Easy access for hospitals
2. Urgency Assessment
- Critical cases flagged automatically
- Faster surgical scheduling
3. Clinical Diagnosis
- Accurate case evaluation
- Reduced chances of medical delays
4. Appointment Scheduling
- Streamlined surgery bookings
- Real-time hospital availability
5. Procedure Tracking
- Transparent monitoring of surgeries
- Improved accountability
Impact of the Children Heart Surgery Program
Lives Saved
The program aims to save over 5,000 children annually by ensuring timely surgery.
Healthcare System Strengthening
- Improved hospital infrastructure
- Better-trained medical teams
- Long-term pediatric cardiac capacity
Social Impact
- Reduced child mortality
- Increased public trust in government healthcare
- Economic relief for low-income families
Comparison: Before vs After CHSP
| Feature | Before Program | After Program |
|---|---|---|
| Surgery Cost | High | Free |
| Waiting Time | Long | Reduced |
| Hospital Options | Limited | Public + Private |
| Digital Tracking | None | Online Dashboard |
| Specialist Availability | Shortage | Increased |
Eligibility Criteria for the Program
Children qualify if they:
- Are diagnosed with a heart condition
- Are residents of Punjab
- Meet medical assessment requirements
Final approval depends on clinical evaluation and urgency level.
How Families Can Access the Program
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit a participating hospital
- Register the child through the system
- Medical assessment by specialists
- Issuance of Child Surgery Card
- Surgery scheduling
FAQs
Is the Children Heart Surgery Program free?
Yes. All surgeries and related treatments are completely free.
Can private hospitals treat patients under CHSP?
Yes. Private hospitals treat patients when government hospitals are full.
Which cities are covered in 2026?
Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi in phase one, with expansion planned.
What is the Child Surgery Card?
It is an eligibility card allowing free heart surgery access.
Who manages the online dashboard?
The system is developed and managed by PITB.
Conclusion
The Children Heart Surgery Program 2026 is a landmark healthcare initiative in Punjab.
It combines medical expertise, technology, and compassion to save thousands of young lives.
