Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz has launched a cardiac surgery initiative to provide free and timely treatment to patients suffering from heart diseases across the province.
Under the Chief Minister Cardiac Surgery Program, services have been rolled out in nine public and 15 private cardiac institutions in Punjab, where eligible patients will receive treatment at no cost.
Officials confirmed that the first successful open-heart surgery under the programme has already been carried out at Punjab Institute of Cardiology in Lahore.
The provincial government has allocated over Rs3 billion annually for the initiative and is targeting the clearance of existing waiting lists for open-heart surgeries within the next six months.
To facilitate patients, authorities have established a dedicated helpline (0800-09009). Additional support is available via phone at 042-99066000 from Monday to Saturday between 8:00am and 11:00pm, as well as through WhatsApp at 0333-6756390.
CM Maryam Nawaz said the programme is part of broader efforts to expand access to advanced healthcare and ensure that cardiac patients across Punjab receive free and timely medical treatment.
In a separate development earlier, the Punjab government took strict action following a viral video incident at Lady Willingdon Hospital, suspending several doctors and initiating disciplinary proceedings.
According to an official notification, Medical Superintendent Dr. Farah Inam and Head of the Gynecology Department Prof. Dr. Uzma Hussain have been directed to submit their explanations within three days.
Meanwhile, the postgraduate training of four doctors Dr. Tayyaba Fatima Toor, Dr. Maham Amin, Dr. Zainab Tahir, and Ayesha Afzal has been suspended. The doctors have also been instructed to report to the Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education Department, which has formally notified them of the action.
The incident has been termed a serious case of negligence in the discharge of official duties, due to grave malpractice and administrative lapses.
Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique said the actions reflected a violation of medical ethics, an affront to patient dignity, and a breach of professional standards, all of which are strictly prohibited under government rules and hospital SOPs.
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