Punjab cancer treatment is set to expand as the provincial government acquires five new cryoablation machines for major hospitals across the province.
The Punjab government purchased the machines on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. Officials have now dispatched the equipment to hospitals for installation.
Two machines will go to the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer in Lahore. Meanwhile, Nishtar Hospital, Allied Hospital and Benazir Bhutto Hospital will each receive one machine.
Punjab Expands Cryoablation Services
Punjab introduced its first cryoablation machine at Mayo Hospital in 2025.
Since then, doctors have successfully treated more than 70 patients with Stage 1 cancer through the facility. The government provided the treatment free of charge.
Now, the five additional machines will allow more hospitals to offer this advanced treatment.
As a result, patients in different parts of Punjab will have better access to specialised cancer care without needing to travel to Lahore.
How Cryoablation Helps Cancer Patients
Cryoablation uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal or cancerous tissue.
Doctors use specialised equipment to target the affected area while limiting damage to surrounding tissue. The treatment can offer a less invasive option for selected patients, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
However, specialists determine whether a patient is suitable for cryoablation after assessing their individual condition.
New Machines to Benefit Major Hospitals
The new equipment will strengthen cancer treatment facilities at several major hospitals.
The Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer in Lahore will receive the largest allocation, with two machines.
Furthermore, Nishtar Hospital, Allied Hospital and Benazir Bhutto Hospital will each receive one machine.
Officials expect the expansion to improve access to specialised treatment across different regions of the province.
Government Highlights Healthcare Investment
Health Secretary Azmat Mahmood said modern medical technology would strengthen Punjab’s healthcare infrastructure.
He described the new machines as an important step towards improving treatment options for cancer patients.
Moreover, he said the provincial government has already provided free cancer treatment worth billions of rupees to patients.
The latest investment reflects Punjab’s wider efforts to expand specialised healthcare services and make advanced treatment more accessible to residents.
With the installation of the five new cryoablation machines, more eligible cancer patients could receive modern treatment closer to their homes.
