Punjab launches free cardiac surgery programme to end long waitlists

• Maryam Nawaz rolls out major heart care initiative across province, targeting surgery backlog clearance within six months

• Rs3b annual funding allocated to provide free treatment in 24 hospitals as first open-heart surgery performed at PIC

 LAHORE: In a major push to strengthen public healthcare, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched the Chief Minister Cardiac Surgery Programme under the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department, aimed at ensuring free and timely treatment for patients suffering from heart diseases across the province.

Formally approved by the chief minister, the initiative has been rolled out at selected public and private hospitals, significantly expanding access to life-saving cardiac care. The programme has initially commenced operations in nine public and 15 private cardiac institutions, offering free treatment to eligible residents of Punjab.

Marking an early milestone, the first successful open-heart surgery under the programme has already been performed at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, signalling the operational readiness and impact of the initiative.

To sustain the programme, the provincial government has allocated over Rs3 billion annually for the treatment of cardiac patients. Authorities have also set an ambitious target to eliminate long waiting lists for open-heart surgeries within the next six months, a longstanding challenge in the public health sector.

In a bid to maximise patient facilitation and outreach, a dedicated helpline (0800-09009) has been established. Patients can also seek assistance via landline (042-99066000) from Monday to Saturday between 8:00am and 11:00pm. Additionally, guidance and support are being provided through WhatsApp at 0333-6756390, ensuring easy access to information for patients and their families.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, stating that the programme would provide advanced medical facilities to thousands of cardiac patients.

She emphasised that the Chief Minister Cardiac Surgery Programme would play a critical role in ensuring free, timely and quality treatment, helping reduce the burden of heart disease and improving overall health outcomes across Punjab.