LAHORE: The Punjab Assembly has passed the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research Bill 2025.
According to a private TV report, the bill will establish an independent institution with a board of governors, an executive council, a dean, and expert directors.
A special selection board will be formed to appoint individuals to key positions. The institute’s funds will come from government grants, donations, and international aid.
The bill allows the institute to buy, hold, and manage land. Government approval is required for the sale or transfer of government land.
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The Punjab Assembly also passed a resolution on cancer diagnosis with majority support.
The resolution stated that cancer cases are increasing rapidly across Pakistan, including Punjab. One in eight women is affected by breast cancer. Deaths are rising due to delayed diagnosis and lack of treatment.
It noted that only 410 beds are allocated for cancer patients in Punjab’s government hospitals, and there is a severe shortage of modern treatment equipment. The resolution called for providing advanced treatment facilities for cancer patients at the government level.
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Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, speaking in the assembly, said the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research Hospital will have 935 beds. He mentioned that the government provided fifty crore rupees and land for Shaukat Khanum Hospital, which he described as a good hospital.
He further stated that treating bone marrow cancer at level four is challenging. The government plans to build a 130-bed ward. He noted that there is no cancer hospital in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The government is reaching out globally for the hospital project and contacting archaeology experts.
