Maryam Nawaz vows crackdown on illegal charges at Punjab govt hospitals

Speaking at the inauguration of the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz said the newly established facility had become

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has acknowledged reports of patients being charged money at government hospitals and said efforts are underway to further improve the province’s public healthcare system.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Jinnah Institute of Cardiology in Lahore, Maryam Nawaz said the newly established facility had become operational and would provide cardiac treatment to patients from across Pakistan.

The chief minister said serving the public should be the foremost responsibility of every political party and claimed that stronger performance by other parties could have contributed to greater progress in the country.

She said she considered it her responsibility to make decisions aimed at improving public welfare on a daily basis, while praising doctors and healthcare professionals, including Dr Hasanat, for their services.

Maryam Nawaz said people in Punjab were being provided not only free medical treatment but also medicines without charge. She acknowledged concerns over payments being demanded from patients at government facilities and said the healthcare system was being further strengthened to address such issues.

She also announced measures aimed at expanding access to advanced medical treatment, saying funds were being established for heart transplant services. According to her, a heart transplant can cost at least $50,000, making financial support crucial for patients requiring the procedure.

The chief minister further said Punjab was moving towards a home dialysis programme under which dialysis machines would be provided to eligible patients, allowing them to receive treatment at home.

Maryam Nawaz said the government’s focus remained on expanding free healthcare and making essential medical services more accessible to the public.