Punjab has taken a historic step in healthcare as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated Pakistan’s first advanced co-ablation cancer treatment center at Mayo Hospital, Lahore. With this launch, Punjab has become a regional pioneer, introducing technology that is not yet available in neighboring India.
✨ A New Era in Cancer Care
At the inauguration ceremony, Maryam Nawaz announced that two successful surgeries have already been performed using the new system. She first reviewed the technology during her recent visit to China and immediately ordered its import to Pakistan.
To further expand cancer care, the Chief Minister also directed the installation of five more ablation machines across Punjab and called for master trainers to train doctors and medical staff.
🧪 How Co-Ablation Technology Works
Senior Radiologist Dr. Shehzad Kareem Bhatti explained the breakthrough treatment:
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Cancer cells are frozen at -198°C with liquid nitrogen.
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They are then heated up to 83°C, effectively destroying the cells within 60–120 minutes.
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Patients can typically walk within a few hours after the procedure.
💰 Cost per treatment: around Rs. 1.6 million.
Currently, the system is being used for liver, lung, and breast cancers.
👩⚕️ Patient Success Stories
Among the first patients treated was Rana Muhammad Asghar, who was cured of liver cancer. He, along with other patients, expressed deep gratitude to Maryam Nawaz, calling her a benefactor of the people.
The Chief Minister personally interacted with patients and medical teams, praising their dedication and commitment.
🌍 Training & Future Expansion
Dr. Bhatti and a team of bioengineers and technicians have already completed specialized training in China to ensure safe and effective use of the technology in Pakistan.
With plans to expand this facility across Punjab, the government aims to revolutionize cancer care and bring world-class treatment closer to patients.
