The Punjab government has spent Rs. 1.5 billion on free heart surgeries since March 2026. The initiative aims to provide life-saving treatment to cardiac patients who cannot afford expensive medical procedures.
Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique revealed the expenditure during a review meeting of the Chief Minister’s Cardiac Surgery Programme on November 12, 2026.
The meeting took place at the Specialized Healthcare Department. Senior health officials reviewed the programme’s progress and the expansion of treatment facilities.
According to the health minister, 44 hospitals now participate in the programme, including nine public hospitals and 35 private medical institutions. The expansion aims to improve access to cardiac treatment across Punjab.
The programme began in March 2026 under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. It provides free cardiac surgery to eligible adult patients who are permanent residents of Punjab.
The government initially launched the initiative at nine public and 15 private hospitals. Authorities later expanded the network to accommodate more patients.
Punjab allocated more than Rs. 3 billion annually to support the programme. Officials aim to reduce long waiting lists and ensure timely treatment for people suffering from serious heart conditions.
Patients can receive various cardiac procedures, including coronary artery bypass surgery and heart valve operations. Government cardiac hospitals serve as primary registration and assessment centers.
Medical teams evaluate patients before approving treatment or referring them to participating private hospitals.
The review meeting included Dr. Farqad Alamgir, Specialized Healthcare Secretary Azmat Mahmood, and Punjab Health Initiative Management Company CEO Dr. Ali Razzaq.
The latest expenditure highlights the government’s efforts to expand specialized healthcare services.
Eligible patients can seek programme information through the official helpline, 0800-09009.
