LAHORE – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore on Friday, unveiling a state-of-the-art facility that will provide advanced cardiac treatment free of charge to residents of the province.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the chief minister described the institute as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration to deliver high-quality heart care to patients who might otherwise face insurmountable financial barriers.
Heart Disease a Growing Crisis
Maryam Nawaz Sharif highlighted the alarming prevalence of cardiovascular disease, noting that nearly every household in Pakistan has been touched by the condition.
“Health is the greatest blessing,” she said. “Those entrusted with authority have a responsibility to serve the public.”
She emphasised that the new institute would be open to patients from across Pakistan, not just Punjab, and praised the provincial health minister and his team for working around the clock to improve healthcare infrastructure.
Free Treatment and Transplant Services
The chief minister announced the establishment of a dedicated heart transplant fund, citing the minimum cost of a transplant at approximately $50,000. She confirmed that heart transplant procedures at the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology would begin on Saturday.
Cardiac treatment will be provided free of cost to all residents of Punjab, she added.
The facility is equipped with a modern hybrid catheterisation laboratory, internationally standard wards, and advanced cardiac equipment. Hospital staff have received training aligned with international protocols.
Expanding Access Across the Province
Maryam Nawaz Sharif reported that more than 12,000 children have undergone cardiac surgeries in the past year, and 16 catheterisation laboratories are now operational across Punjab.
She outlined additional healthcare initiatives, including:
- A forthcoming home dialysis programme
- Free availability of a stroke-prevention injection
- The launch of the Punjab Air Ambulance service
- Efforts to deliver healthcare directly to patients’ doorsteps
“No person should have to travel to another city for treatment,” she said.
The chief minister also warned that failing to provide citizens with their due rights would constitute a failure of government. She pledged to continue expanding healthcare facilities and responding to public demand for services such as the Clinics on Wheels programme.
