Maryam Nawaz Opens First Cancer Treatment Center in Punjab

In a major leap forward for cancer treatment in Pakistan, the Punjab government has inaugurated the country’s first-ever Co-Ablation Cancer Treatment Centre at Mayo Hospital in Lahore. This state-of-the-art facility is offering cancer patients an advanced, minimally invasive treatment option, bringing new hope to those who may have otherwise faced limited treatment choices.

What is Co-Ablation Treatment?

If you’ve heard about Co-Ablation, you might be wondering what exactly it is. Well, Co-Ablation is a cutting-edge technique that combines two powerful therapies—cryotherapy (freezing) and radiofrequency ablation (heating)—to treat tumors. The treatment involves freezing the tumor to -198°C and then heating it to 83°C, ensuring the cancerous cells are destroyed without causing harm to the surrounding healthy tissue.

This dual-temperature approach makes it one of the most effective and less invasive options for solid tumors, especially in organs like the liver, lungs, and prostate. It’s a game-changer for patients who may not be suitable candidates for traditional surgery.

A Milestone for Pakistan’s Healthcare

On September 18, 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Co-Ablation Cancer Treatment Centre at Mayo Hospital. The launch is a huge milestone in the country’s healthcare system, especially as it marks the first time such a treatment is available in the public sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Minister expressed how proud she was to bring this world-class treatment to Pakistan. “We are ensuring that advanced healthcare is available to all Pakistanis, regardless of their background or financial standing,” she said.

Real Stories, Real Hope

The first few patients to undergo Co-Ablation treatment have shared heartwarming testimonials. Muhammad Asghar, who was diagnosed with liver cancer, was one of the first to receive the new treatment. “I could feel the difference immediately after the procedure. I was walking and talking with my family just hours later,” he said.

For many, this treatment provides hope where there was none before. With minimal recovery time and lower risks than traditional surgery, Co-Ablation is quickly becoming a game-changer for cancer patients in Pakistan.

Affordable and Accessible: Free Treatment for Those in Need

One of the most remarkable aspects of this initiative is that the Punjab government has made Co-Ablation treatment free of charge for eligible patients. While the treatment normally costs around PKR 1.6 million, those who cannot afford it will have their treatment fully funded, ensuring that financial constraints won’t prevent anyone from receiving life-saving care.

“It’s heartening to know that I don’t have to leave the country for this treatment. It’s all here in Pakistan, and I’m beyond grateful to the government for this,” said Sara Ahmed, a patient who was treated at the new centre.

A Regional Leader in Healthcare Innovation

The opening of this Co-Ablation Cancer Treatment Centre is not just a victory for Punjab but for all of Pakistan. The facility is the first in South Asia to offer this innovative treatment in a public-sector hospital. And the government isn’t stopping here. The plan is to expand this cutting-edge technology across the region, with five more Co-Ablation machines being installed in Multan, Rawalpindi, and Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospitals in the coming months.

“The future of cancer treatment in Pakistan looks bright,” said Dr. Yasmin Rashid, Punjab’s Health Minister. “We are not only bringing world-class technology to Pakistan, but we are also ensuring it is accessible to those who need it most.”

People’s Reactions: A Wave of Gratitude and Hope

The launch of the Co-Ablation centre has garnered an overwhelming positive response from the public and medical community alike. Many patients and doctors are praising the initiative for making advanced cancer treatment available within Pakistan, rather than requiring people to travel abroad for care.

Dr. Amir Zaman, a renowned oncologist, shared, “This new technology will completely change the landscape of cancer treatment in Pakistan. Not only does it minimize risks for patients, but it also offers a solution that requires less recovery time and offers higher success rates than traditional methods.”

 Better Healthcare for All

The Co-Ablation Cancer Treatment Centre at Mayo Hospital is a significant step forward for the country’s healthcare system. By bringing advanced treatment within Pakistan’s borders, the government is providing citizens access to care they might have otherwise had to go abroad for.

This initiative is part of a broader vision to improve healthcare accessibility, reduce medical costs, and provide life-saving treatments to the people of Pakistan. With plans for further expansion and continued government support, the future of healthcare in the country looks brighter than ever.