Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has introduced a province-wide cardiac surgery initiative aimed at ensuring heart patients receive free and timely treatment, with the broader goal of clearing long waiting lists for critical procedures like open-heart surgeries.
Launched under the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department, the program is now operational across multiple facilities, including both public and private cardiac centers.
It is designed to provide free treatment to eligible residents throughout Punjab. In an early success, the first open-heart surgery under this scheme has already been carried out at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology, signaling a strong start to the initiative.
The government has earmarked more than Rs 3 billion each year to fund the program, highlighting its focus on improving healthcare services and making life-saving treatments more accessible to the public.
To make the process easier for patients, a dedicated helpline has been set up, along with extended phone support hours throughout the week.
Assistance is also available via WhatsApp, ensuring patients can easily access information and guidance through multiple channels.
