The Punjab government has approved the establishment of the Kulsoom Nawaz Cancer Hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan, with the project estimated to cost over Rs8.7 billion. The hospital is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2029, aiming to expand cancer treatment services and improve access to specialised healthcare in the region.
Details of the Kulsoom Nawaz Cancer Hospital project
Official documents reveal that the project includes a capital component exceeding Rs3.12 billion and a revenue component of more than Rs5.58 billion. The hospital is expected to provide modern and quality medical facilities to cancer patients in Dera Ghazi Khan and surrounding areas, reducing the need for patients to travel to other cities for specialised treatment.
The Punjab health department stated that this initiative is part of a broader plan to expand cancer care services across the province. Concurrently, work continues on the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore, according to Secretary Health Azmat Mahmood.
Merit-based system for foreign medical graduates
In a related development, the Punjab Health Department has decided to implement a transparent, merit-based system for house jobs and postgraduate training for foreign medical graduates. A nine-member committee has been formed, including vice-chancellors of medical universities and principals of medical colleges in Punjab.
The committee will review current procedures to ensure merit, transparency, and uniformity in the induction process. It will also assess mechanisms for verifying medical degrees, registration, licenses, and eligibility criteria for foreign medical graduates.
