Punjab approves Rs8.7bn cancer hospital in DG Khan

LAHORE: The Punjab government has approved the establishment of the Kulsoom Nawaz Cancer Hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan at an estimated cost of over Rs8.7 billion.

According to official documents, the project is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2029. It includes a capital expenditure component of more than Rs3.12 billion and a revenue component exceeding Rs5.58 billion.

The hospital aims to provide modern cancer treatment facilities to patients in DG Khan and nearby areas, reducing the need to travel to other cities for specialised medical care.

The provincial government is also expanding cancer care services elsewhere in Punjab. Secretary Health Azmat Mahmood said work is underway on the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore.

Separately, the Punjab Health Department has decided to introduce a transparent, merit-based system for house jobs and postgraduate training for foreign medical graduates.

The department has formed a nine-member committee comprising vice-chancellors of medical universities and principals of medical colleges across the province.

The committee will review existing procedures for house jobs and postgraduate training, with a focus on ensuring merit, transparency and uniformity in the selection process.

It will also examine procedures for verifying foreign medical graduates’ degrees, registration, licences and eligibility for training.