The Punjab government has expanded access to advanced cancer treatment by purchasing five new cryoablation machines for installation at major hospitals across the province. Acquired on the directions of the chief minister, the machines have been dispatched to different hospitals for installation. Two will be installed at the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer in Lahore, while Nishtar Hospital, Allied Hospital and Benazir Bhutto Hospital will each receive one.
The expansion is expected to make specialised cancer treatment more accessible across Punjab, allowing eligible patients to receive advanced care closer to their cities instead of depending on a limited number of facilities.
Cryoablation is a minimally invasive medical procedure that uses extremely cold temperatures to freeze and destroy abnormal or cancerous tissue. Depending on the cancer’s type, stage and location, the technique can provide an alternative treatment option for selected patients.
Punjab introduced its first cryoablation machine at Mayo Hospital in 2025. Since its introduction, more than 70 patients suffering from Stage 1 cancer have received successful treatment through the facility free of charge, according to provincial officials. The government said the addition of five machines would significantly expand the availability of the technology and provide patients with more timely access to specialised cancer care.
Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood said adopting modern medical technology would strengthen Punjab’s healthcare infrastructure and improve access to specialised treatment. He described the installation of the machines as an important step towards providing better healthcare facilities for cancer patients and building a healthier Punjab.
Mahmood also said the provincial government had already provided free cancer treatment worth billions of rupees to patients across the province. The latest investment builds on the Mayo Hospital programme while expanding cryoablation services to multiple major public hospitals.
With facilities being added in Lahore and other cities, the initiative is aimed at widening access to advanced cancer care while continuing the government’s policy of providing eligible patients with treatment free of charge.
