Punjab Budget 2026 has proposed 15 cardiac units, cancer hospital, air ambulances.

LAHORE – The Punjab government has proposed a record allocation of Rs 500.62 billion for the health sector in the 2026-27 budget, outlining an ambitious plan to expand healthcare infrastructure, launch new specialized treatment facilities, strengthen emergency services and improve access to medical care across the province.

The proposed allocation constitutes the largest investment in Punjab’s health care system, with major expenditures earmarked for cancer treatment, cardiac care, primary health care, emergency response, and rural health services.

An important component of the health package is the establishment of 15 new cardiac surgery units across Punjab. The government has also proposed Rs 31.08 billion for the purchase of modern medical equipment including MRI machines, while new CT scan facilities, cath labs and neurocath labs are planned to improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities in government hospitals.

In a first for the province, Punjab plans to launch the Stroke Initiative, under which six neurocath labs will be set up. 1.75 billion has been earmarked for this initiative and aims to reduce the rate of early intervention, mortality and long-term disability for stroke patients.

To improve emergency healthcare delivery, the government has proposed Rs 5 billion for the expansion of emergency services. Efforts will also continue to strengthen Punjab’s air ambulance network, which has transported and assisted 270 patients so far, officials said.

The budget focused on health care development in South Punjab. A proposed Rs 23.37 billion has been earmarked for the construction of a cancer hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan, while plans are also underway to establish a children’s hospital in Bahawalpur. The government has also allocated Rs 20 billion for the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research, a flagship project with a total cost of Rs 175 billion.

94.28 billion rupees have been proposed for the development of Jinnah Institute of Cardiology Lahore and Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cardiology Sargodha for Cardiac Care with the aim of increasing access to specialized cardiac care services.

Meanwhile, 2.45 billion rupees have been allocated for the rehabilitation and modernization of the Punjab Institute of Mental Health, Lahore, while development work worth more than 15 billion rupees will continue in Nishtar Hospital, Multan.

The government has proposed massive strengthening of primary health care services through recruitment and infrastructure upgrades. Under the project, 20 community health inspectors and 60 thousand lady health workers will be recruited at a cost of Rs 12.58 billion. Additionally, 434 Basic Health Units (BHUs) will be upgraded through a development package worth Rs 9.60 billion.

The Maryam Nawaz Health Clinic Program will see the upgrading of 2,508 BHUs and 1,115 Rural Health Centers (RHCs) to improve access to healthcare in rural and marginalized communities.

The provincial government also proposed Rs 3.50 billion to expand the Clinic on Wheels program and an additional Rs 3.85 billion to scale up the initiative. The aim of the mobile healthcare program is to provide medical services to populations living in remote areas. For special treatment programmes, Rs 8.66 billion have been allocated for the Chief Minister’s Dialysis Programme, while Rs 3.64 billion have been proposed for the Chief Minister’s Transplant Programme, which is expected to benefit around 14,000 patients annually.

3.21 billion has been earmarked for the Children’s Heart Surgery Programme, with officials estimating that around 13,000 children will undergo life-saving cardiac surgeries under the initiative.

The government has also proposed Rs 1.05 billion for diabetes care, including provision of free insulin and essential medicines to patients through public health facilities.

Among the major projects announced in the health portfolio is the proposed Nawaz Sharif Medical District, for which 169 billion rupees have been earmarked. The project is expected to emerge as a major center of healthcare and medical education, integrating treatment, research and training facilities under one umbrella.

The proposed health sector package reflects the Punjab government’s focus on modernizing public health infrastructure and expanding public health coverage. With expanded investments in specialized hospitals, diagnostic facilities, emergency response systems, rural health care centers and disease-specific programs, the budget seeks to address long-standing gaps in health care delivery while improving access to treatment for millions of residents across the province.

The post 15 Cardiac Units, Cancer Hospital, Air Ambulances proposed in Health Push in Punjab Budget 2026 appeared first on Daily Pakistan English News.

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