The Punjab government on Monday unveiled a series of transformative healthcare initiatives in its budget for the fiscal year 2025–26, including the launch of a Rs72 billion Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital in Lahore and the conversion of Basic Health Units (BHUs) into Maryam Health Clinics across the province.
Presenting the budget in the Punjab Assembly, Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman stated that the government’s healthcare agenda is focused on enhancing accessibility and quality of medical services at both primary and specialized levels. “This is a bold step toward reshaping Punjab’s healthcare landscape,” he told the House.
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The Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital, a state-of-the-art facility, aims to address the rising burden of cancer in the province by offering affordable and specialized diagnostics and treatment. The hospital will serve patients from all districts and reduce dependence on private or foreign treatment facilities.
In a parallel initiative, the government announced a comprehensive upgrade of the province’s BHUs into Maryam Health Clinics. These clinics, named after PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz, will offer extended services in maternal and child health, vaccination, and digital record-keeping. The initiative is intended to modernize grassroots healthcare and ensure broader coverage in rural and underserved areas.
“This is not just rebranding—it’s a structural upgrade in how healthcare is delivered at the community level,” the minister asserted.
Despite a total non-development budget outlay of Rs2,706.5 billion, health remained a top priority. The finance minister emphasized that even under financial pressures, social sector investment, especially in health, would not be compromised.
The session saw protests and walkouts from opposition benches, who criticized the budget as “unrealistic” and “politically charged.” However, treasury lawmakers defended the proposals, calling them a critical step towards inclusive and equitable healthcare reform.
