Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz announces cardiac cath labs in every district

Lahore (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has called on authorities to fast-track the District Cardiac Cath Lab Project, a vital initiative designed to bring advanced heart treatment to district hospitals across the province.

The project aligns with her vision of strengthening healthcare at the grassroots level and reducing the burden on major tertiary hospitals.

Following the successful launch of a cardiac cath lab at DHQ Hospital Jhelum, similar facilities in Jhang, Mianwali, and Vehari have been completed and are set to become operational soon. In the next phase, labs will be established in Bhakkar, Chakwal, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Mandi Bahauddin, Rajanpur, and Toba Tek Singh, further expanding access to critical cardiac care.

Each district-level lab will offer sophisticated procedures such as angiography, angioplasty, and primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), enabling timely intervention for heart patients within the crucial 60 to 90 minutes of a cardiac emergency, a step expected to significantly improve survival rates.

The chief minister instructed the health department to ensure that specialist doctors, interventional cardiologists, and trained paramedical staff are posted at these district centers.

To attract highly qualified professionals, a special pay package has been approved for doctors serving at these facilities.

“All district cardiac cath labs will provide treatment for heart diseases at international standards,” Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated. She emphasized that patients experiencing heart attacks would no longer have to travel to major cities, as life-saving care will now be available locally.

She highlighted that the initiative will strengthen the overall healthcare system and ease pressure on large hospitals.

“Who could have imagined that DHQ hospitals would one day have advanced cardiac cath labs capable of providing top-tier treatment?” she remarked.

The chief minister reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services to every citizen right at their doorstep.