The Punjab government on Saturday approved the establishment of the Kulsoom Nawaz Cancer Hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan, with the project estimated to cost more than Rs8.7 billion. According to official documents, the project has been scheduled for completion by June 30, 2029. The provincial government moves to expand cancer treatment facilities and improve access to specialised healthcare. The approved project includes a capital component of more than Rs3.12 billion and a revenue component exceeding Rs5.58 billion.

The hospital is expected to provide modern and quality medical facilities to cancer patients in Dera Ghazi Khan and surrounding areas, reducing the need for patients to travel to other cities for specialised treatment. Punjab is planning to further expand its cancer care services following the establishment of the facility in Dera Ghazi Khan, according to the provincial health department. Meanwhile, work is also underway on the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore, Secretary Health Azmat Mahmood said.

The project marks another step in the provincial government’s efforts to strengthen specialised healthcare infrastructure and improve access to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Meanwhile, the Punjab Health Department decided to establish a transparent, merit-based system for house jobs and postgraduate training for foreign medical graduates. In this regard, the department has constituted a nine-member committee comprising vice-chancellors of medical universities in Punjab and principals of medical colleges.

The committee will review the existing procedures for house jobs and postgraduate training for foreign medical graduates, with a particular focus on ensuring merit, transparency and uniformity in the induction process. It will also examine the mechanisms for verifying medical degrees, registration, licences and eligibility criteria for foreign medical graduates.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)