Lahore – April 4, 2025:
The Punjab government has taken a significant step towards enhancing healthcare services in the province by drafting a comprehensive law for the establishment of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Treatment and Research Institute. The provincial health department has finalized the draft of the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Treatment and Research Institute Act, which lays out the framework for the administration, staffing, funding, and services of the upcoming cancer treatment facility.
As per the draft, the institute will be governed by a 13-member board, with the Chief Minister of Punjab serving as its chairperson. The board will be responsible for strategic oversight, policy direction, and overall governance of the hospital.
In a move to ensure accessibility and equity in healthcare, the draft law includes provisions for free cancer treatment for underprivileged patients, while others will be offered treatment on a partial or full payment basis. This tiered system is designed to ensure that no patient is denied care due to financial constraints.
Importantly, the act also stipulates that employees recruited at the institute will not be considered government employees, giving the hospital administrative flexibility and operational autonomy.
To ensure sustainability, the hospital will be permitted to raise funds through donations and philanthropic contributions, empowering it to manage its financial affairs without relying solely on government funding.
The administrative hierarchy of the institute will consist of a Chairman, a Dean, an Administrator, and Directors for Nursing and Finance, ensuring a professional and structured management approach.
The proposed act will be presented in the Punjab Assembly for debate and formal approval in the coming days. Once passed, it will pave the way for the development of one of the province’s key cancer care institutions, expected to significantly improve cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research in the region.
