CM Maryam launches South Asia’s first govt-run Co-ablation Centre in Lahore

• Punjab CM terms initiative ‘revolutionary leap’ in cancer treatment, first-of-its-kind technology in region, even ahead of India
• Says treatment to remain free for patients with five more Co-ablation machines to be installed in Multan, Rawalpindi

LAHORE: Punjab has become the first region in South Asia to introduce cutting-edge cancer treatment technology, as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday inaugurated Pakistan’s first government-run Co-ablation Centre at Mayo Hospital, Lahore.

During her visit, the chief minister inspected the newly installed Co-ablation machine in the surgical ward and directed health authorities to immediately procure five more machines for other hospitals across Punjab. She also ordered the creation of a specialised pool of doctors, paramedics, and master trainers to ensure the provision of advanced treatment facilities for cancer patients.

https://t.co/hG2VsBuu09 pic.twitter.com/Rr7EKAOLGB

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) September 18, 2025

Senior Interventional Radiologist Dr. Shahzad Karim Bhatti briefed the chief minister on the new technology, explaining that Co-ablation destroys cancer cells in two stages: freezing them to –198°C using liquid nitrogen and then heating them to 83°C, ensuring complete cell death. Each procedure takes between 60 and 120 minutes, with patients able to walk within hours. The cost of each treatment is estimated at Rs1.6 million.

Initially, liver, lung, and breast cancers are being treated, with kidney cancers to follow. Services will later expand to gallbladder, bone marrow, and soft tissue cancers. Dr. Bhatti, who was trained in China by bioengineers and technicians, is leading the procedures.

Maryam Nawaz interacted with patients who had undergone successful procedures, including Rana Muhammad Asghar (liver cancer), Muhammad Akram (lung tumour), and Parveen and Iqbal Bano. Grateful patients called her their “benefactor,” with one remarking: “Maryam Nawaz has done what she promised.”

A Medical Marvel!

During my visit to Hygea Medical Equipment Company in China, a cutting-edge technology for treating malignant tumours caught my attention. This innovative method involves the injection of liquid nitrogen to freeze tumors at -180°C, followed by a controlled… pic.twitter.com/DIYeTwo2P6

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) September 18, 2025

Sharing success stories, the CM highlighted a complex liver case treated in just 60 minutes, describing it as a “promising start” for the new centre.

Maryam Nawaz revealed that the idea of introducing co-ablation came during her recent visit to China, where she signed an MoU with the manufacturing company. “Health was declared Punjab government’s foremost priority. After witnessing my own mother’s battle with cancer, I personally understand the pain a family endures,” she said.

She noted that no hospital in the region, including India, currently has a Co-ablation machine. “If we cannot spend money on the treatment of helpless cancer patients, then what else should we spend it on?” she asked, announcing that cancer treatment at the new centre would be 100 percent free and open to patients from across Pakistan.

Expansion plans

Five more machines will be installed at Nishtar Hospital Multan, Rawalpindi, and the three upcoming Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospitals. The first unit at the new Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital is expected to be operational by December.

Maryam Nawaz praised the dedicated team of officials and doctors for establishing the centre, pledging full support for training, equipment, and expansion. Calling Co-ablation a “revolutionary advancement in medical science,” she said, “Serving the distressed humanity is my sole mission. The opportunity to serve people of Pakistan, especially Punjab, is a blessing.”