The Punjab government will inaugurate the Nawaz Sharif Institute of Cancer Treatment and Research in Lahore on July 31, 2026. This Pakistan cancer hospital free treatment facility marks a major step in the provincial government’s plan to expand public-sector cancer care. Officials informed Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz that Packages A and B of the hospital project would complete by July 31. Therefore, the provincial government approved the same date for its inauguration.
Workers are constructing the institute in Valencia Town, Lahore, which provides excellent access from major roads. Routes connected to the motorway and Lahore Ring Road make the location highly accessible for patients traveling from across the province and beyond.
The Punjab government has described the facility as Pakistan’s first fully government-run cancer hospital. This distinction matters because it removes cost barriers that have historically prevented poor patients from accessing quality cancer care. Authorities plan to provide free treatment to cancer patients, including those suffering from stage three and stage four cancer. Moreover, patients from Punjab and other provinces will also receive treatment at the institute.
Once construction is complete, the hospital will have a capacity of 915 beds. The government is developing the project in phases. Officials estimate the complete project will cost around Rs. 75 billion. This substantial investment reflects the government’s commitment to building Pakistan cancer hospital free treatment infrastructure.
The Nawaz Sharif Institute will bring diagnostic, treatment, and recovery services together on one campus. The project includes a main hospital building and a specialized clinic offering diagnostic services, chemotherapy, radiology, pharmacy services, and bone marrow treatment. Additionally, plans include pediatric oncology services, operation theatres, and intensive care units.
The hospital will feature 10 radiation therapy bunkers, which are critical for treating many cancer types. Furthermore, the campus will have a 30-bed emergency department and a hospice facility for patients requiring palliative care. The campus will also include accommodation for doctors and staff, an energy centre, and other supporting facilities.
The Punjab government has already started recruiting clinical and non-clinical employees for the institute. Available positions include specialists in radiation oncology and other medical disciplines. The government is also filling administrative and support roles. Officials plan to operate the institute through a digital and paperless system. They believe the system will improve transparency, record management, and hospital efficiency.
Maryam Nawaz formally launched the project after laying its foundation stone in October 2024. Finally, with officials confirming the July 31 opening date, thousands of cancer patients across Pakistan will soon access world-class care without financial burden.
