Recently, the Punjab government took a major step to reduce the burden of serious illness for thousands of its citizens. In a December 2025 announcement, the state said it would issue special cards offering free treatment and surgery to heart disease and cancer patients. This could lead to major changes in access to essential healthcare for many people. Under the new system, people with cancer or heart disease will be able to obtain a special initiative card (also known as a treatment card) through which the government will cover the cost of treatment, including heart surgery.
Each eligible patient can benefit from treatment worth up to Rs 1 million through the card. The first phase will target around 45,000 patients across Punjab.
The authorities have specifically included heart surgery in the coverage, meaning cardholders will receive heart surgery free of charge. Apart from issuing cards, the government is also strengthening medical infrastructure to support this initiative. Under the plan, the Outpatient Department (OPD) of the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research will be operational by January 17, and the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology in Sargodha will be operational by January 31. Moreover, another facility, Jinnah Institute of Cardiology, is also expected to become operational by then.
Recruitment drives are also underway to ensure adequate staffing, with the Cancer Institute approving 219 new posts and the Sargodha Heart Institute approving 258 posts in the first phase.
Why is this important?
For many families in Punjab, especially those in poor and middle-income brackets, the cost of treating cancer and heart disease can be overwhelming. Surgery, diagnosis, medicine, hospitalization, everything costs hundreds of thousands of rupees. The introduction of free treatment cards will help remove financial barriers and give hope to people who may refuse treatment. The inclusion of cardiac surgery is particularly important. Heart disease often requires prompt intervention, and delays can be life-threatening. By covering them with maps, the government recognizes the importance and seriousness of heart disease.
Moreover, by expanding the capacity of specialized institutions (Institutes of Oncology and Cardiology), the government is not only providing financial support but also investing in infrastructure to ensure quality treatment.
What happens next, and what to pay attention to?
In the first phase, we aim to benefit 45,000 patients with compensation of up to Rs 100,000 per person. This is a good start, but given the size of the population and the burden of disease, many people are likely to need support in the coming years. Implementation details matter. Is the card valid only in public hospitals or also in private hospitals? Are there any selection criteria (income level, place of residence, stage of disease, etc.)? How well will the system work if thousands of patients apply at the same time? Only with effective management can this program deliver real benefits.
It is also important to keep your promises. It is to ensure that promised institutions, such as oncology hospitals and cardiac centers, start their operations on time. Staff, equipment, diagnosis, post-operative care: everything must be at the right level.
If done correctly, this initiative could save many lives and alleviate the suffering of countless families. This is a positive sign for public healthcare in Punjab.
