Taking another important step in the health sector, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has formally launched the Chief Minister Cardiac Surgery Program, under which free and timely treatment will be provided to heart patients.

According to the report, the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department started the program on the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, while after approval, it has also been formally launched. Under the program, free treatment of heart diseases will be provided in selected government and private hospitals.

9 government and 15 private cardiac institutions of Punjab are included in this program, while this facility is reserved for permanent residents of the province.

Under the Chief Minister Cardiac Surgery Program, the first successful open heart surgery of a patient has also been completed at the Punjab Institute of Cardiology. The government has allocated more than Rs 3 billion annually for this program.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also set a target of eliminating the long waiting lists for open heart surgery in 6 months.

A helpline number 0800-09009 has been set up for information related to the program, while patients can contact 042-99066000 from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm. In addition, guidance can also be obtained on the WhatsApp number of the Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education Department at 0333-6756390.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif says that the government is striving to provide modern facilities to thousands of heart patients and this program will be helpful in providing free and timely treatment to people suffering from heart diseases.