Punjab Approves Rs8.7bn Cancer Hospital in DG Khan

The Punjab government has approved the establishment of the Kulsoom Nawaz Cancer Hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan, a major specialised healthcare project with an estimated cost of more than Rs8.7 billion. The project is intended to expand cancer treatment access in southern Punjab and reduce the need for patients to travel to larger cities for specialised care.

According to official documents, the hospital is scheduled for completion by June 30, 2029. The approval places the project within Punjab’s broader health infrastructure programme, with the provincial government aiming to strengthen diagnosis and treatment facilities for cancer patients in underserved areas.

The approved cost includes a capital component of more than Rs3.12 billion and a revenue component exceeding Rs5.58 billion. The financial structure indicates that the project will require both construction and operational funding as the province moves from approval to implementation.

Officials expect the hospital to provide modern medical services to cancer patients in Dera Ghazi Khan and adjoining districts. For many families in the region, specialised cancer treatment currently means travelling to Lahore, Multan or other urban centres, creating added financial and logistical burdens during prolonged illness.

The provincial health department has said Punjab plans to continue expanding cancer care services after the Dera Ghazi Khan facility. Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood also said work is under way on the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore, showing that the government is pursuing multiple cancer treatment projects at the same time.

The approval is significant because cancer care requires sustained investment in trained staff, diagnostic equipment, treatment planning and long-term patient support. Establishing a dedicated facility in Dera Ghazi Khan could improve early access for patients who might otherwise delay care because of distance, travel costs or limited local services.

The next phase will depend on timely execution, procurement, staffing plans and transparent monitoring of the project timeline. With completion targeted for 2029, the practical impact for patients will be determined by whether the hospital is delivered on schedule and equipped to provide specialised services once operational.