Free Cancer Treatment Disrupted for Thousands of Punjab Patients

More than 5,000 cancer patients in Punjab are reportedly facing difficulties continuing treatment after supplies under the government’s Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) project were disrupted.

The shortage has affected patients who depend on free medicines provided through the provincial programme. According to reports, only one of the four medicines supplied under the project is partially available, leaving many patients struggling to obtain their prescribed treatment.

Patients Face Financial Pressure

CML is a type of blood cancer that often requires long-term treatment. Patients who cannot access medicines through the government programme may have to consider private purchases, which can be too expensive for many families.

The disruption has raised concerns about treatment continuity, particularly for patients who rely entirely on free medical support.

Government Programme Needs Supply Clarity

Punjab's free cancer treatment initiatives are designed to reduce the financial burden on patients by supporting access to medicines and specialised care.

The provincial government has also allocated funding for cancer treatment facilities. On October 30, the Punjab Finance Department released Rs10 billion for Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital to support free treatment.

However, patients affected by the CML medicine shortage need clear information about available stocks, supply arrangements and when regular distribution will resume.

Patients Await Restoration of Medicines

The reported shortage highlights the importance of maintaining uninterrupted supplies for people receiving long-term cancer treatment. Health authorities have yet to publicly clarify the full scale of the disruption or provide a confirmed timeline for restoring the affected medicines.

Patients and their families are waiting for a reliable supply so that prescribed treatment can continue without further uncertainty.