Islamabad: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed the authorities concerned to ensure early completion of the District Cardiac catheterization laboratories in all districts of the province.

According to Radio Pakistan, the project has been launched across Punjab to strengthen district-level healthcare services and reduce the burden on major tertiary hospitals. Following the establishment of a cath lab at DHQ Hospital Jhelum, facilities in Jhang, Mianwali, and Vehari are ready and will be made functional shortly.

In the second phase, cardiac cath labs will be made operational in Bhakkar, Chakwal, Hafizabad, Khanewal, Mandi Bahauddin, Rajanpur, and Toba Tek Singh. Each district cardiac cath lab will provide advanced services including angiography, angioplasty, and primary PCI. With the availability of these facilities, it will be possible to save the lives of heart patients reaching the hospital within 60 to 90 minutes during cardiac emergencies.

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has also directed the Health Department to ensure the deployment of specialist doctors, interventional cardiologists, and trained staff at district cardiology centres. A special pay package has been approved for doctors performing duties at district cardiac cath labs to encourage skilled professionals to serve at the district level.