The Punjab government has approved a 100-bed cancer treatment tower at Holy Family Hospital (HFH) in Rawalpindi, marking the first such facility planned for cancer patients from across the Rawalpindi Division.
The project has received approval from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, after which the relevant departments have begun work on preparing its PC-I.
Cancer Treatment Facility Planned at HFH
The decision was discussed during a video-link meeting chaired by the Punjab health secretary on the chief minister’s instructions.
Officials from the Health Department, Communication and Works Department and other concerned departments attended the meeting and reviewed arrangements for the proposed facility.
The government plans to establish similar cancer treatment towers at public hospitals in Faisalabad, Sargodha and Bahawalpur as part of the wider expansion of cancer care facilities across Punjab.
Doctors and Equipment to Be Arranged
Specialist doctors and other healthcare staff will be appointed for the new cancer treatment facilities.
The required medical equipment will also be procured alongside the construction process so that treatment services can start without unnecessary delays once the towers become operational.
The approach is intended to ensure that the facilities are adequately staffed and equipped rather than waiting until construction is completed before beginning preparations for patient care.
HFH Receives Cancer Treatment Machine
Meanwhile, Holy Family Hospital has already received a cryoablation machine designed to treat patients with certain types of cancer.
The equipment can be used in the treatment of breast, lung, liver and kidney cancers and is currently being installed at the hospital.
Hospital authorities will conduct a test run once the installation is completed. Formal registration of patients seeking treatment for the four types of cancer will begin after the machine successfully completes the testing process.
The planned cancer treatment tower, along with the new cryoablation facility, is expected to expand specialised cancer care available to patients in Rawalpindi and surrounding areas.
