- Punjab CM says district-level Cath labs to ease pressure on major hospitals and ensure life-saving treatment within golden 60–90 minutes
- Facilities ready in Jhang, Mianwali, Vehari after Jhelum with second phase to cover seven more districts
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the relevant authorities to ensure the early and timely completion of the District Cardiac Cath Lab Project, a flagship healthcare initiative aimed at providing state-of-the-art cardiac treatment facilities in every district of the province.
Launched under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the province-wide cardiac cath lab project seeks to strengthen district-level healthcare infrastructure, improve emergency response, and reduce the burden on major tertiary hospitals in large cities. Following the successful establishment of a cardiac cath lab at DHQ Hospital Jhelum, similar facilities in Jhang, Mianwali and Vehari have been completed and will be made operational shortly.
According to official details, the project will be expanded further in its second phase, during which cardiac cath labs will be established and made functional in Bhakkar, Chakwal, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Mandi Bahauddin, Rajanpur and Toba Tek Singh, ensuring wider geographical coverage and equitable access to advanced cardiac care.
Each district-level cardiac cath lab will be equipped to provide advanced diagnostic and interventional services, including angiography, angioplasty and primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Health officials said the availability of these life-saving facilities at district hospitals would enable the treatment of heart patients within the critical 60 to 90-minute window during cardiac emergencies, significantly improving survival rates.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has also instructed the Health Department to ensure the deployment of specialist doctors, interventional cardiologists and fully trained paramedical staff at district cardiology centres. To attract and retain skilled professionals at the district level, the provincial government has approved a special pay package for doctors performing duties at district cardiac cath labs.
“All district-level, state-of-the-art cardiac cath labs will provide the best possible treatment for heart diseases in accordance with international standard operating procedures (SOPs),” Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif said. She added that during heart attack emergencies, patients would no longer need to travel to distant major cities, as immediate and life-saving cardiac treatment would now be available at nearby district hospitals.
The Chief Minister noted that the establishment of cardiac cath labs at the district level would significantly strengthen the healthcare system, improve emergency response, and ease overcrowding at large public hospitals. “Who could have imagined that DHQ hospitals would be equipped with cath labs offering advanced cardiac treatment?” she remarked.
Reaffirming her commitment to public welfare, CM Maryam Nawaz said the provincial government would fulfil its promise of providing quality, standard healthcare facilities at the doorstep of every citizen across Punjab.
CM Expresses Grief Over Fatal Traffic Accident in DG Khan
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed deep sorrow and grief over the loss of precious human lives in a tragic collision between a rickshaw and a motorcycle in Dera Ghazi Khan.
In her condolence message, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif extended heartfelt sympathies and condolences to the bereaved families, expressing solidarity with them in their hour of grief. She offered prayers for the departed souls and for strength, patience and fortitude for the families to bear the irreparable loss.
Terming the loss of human lives in road accidents as deeply distressing, the Chief Minister stressed the need for greater care, responsibility and adherence to traffic rules to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
CM Felicitates Pakistan Navy on Successful LY-80 Air Defence Missile Test
Furthermore, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz congratulated the Pakistan Navy on the successful live-fire test of the LY-80 air defence missile system, describing it as a major milestone in strengthening the country’s defence capabilities.
In her message, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif paid glowing tribute to the Pakistan armed forces, scientists and engineers for their professionalism and dedication. She said the successful test reflected the technical expertise, preparedness and unwavering commitment of all those involved in safeguarding national security.
“By successfully conducting the live-fire test of the LY-80 air defence missile, Pakistan has achieved another important milestone in its defence capabilities,” the Chief Minister said.
She added that such achievements were a source of pride for the entire nation and a testament to Pakistan’s growing self-reliance, strength and readiness to defend its sovereignty.
Perfect timing on this post, needed this reminder